Oxygenation targets in ICU patients with COVID-19: a post-hoc sub-group analysis of the HOT-ICU trial

Bodil S. Rasmussen, Thomas L. Klitgaard, Anders Perner, Björn A. Brand, Thomas Hildebrandt, Martin Siegemund, Alexa Hollinger, Søren R. Aagaard, Morten H. Bestle, Klaus V. Marcussen, Anne C. Brøchner, Christoffer G. Sølling, Lone M. Poulsen, Jon H. Laake, Tayyba N. Aslam, Minna Bäcklund, Marjatta Okkonen, Matthew Morgan, Mike Sharman, Theis LangeJørn Wetterslev, Olav L. Schjørring

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Abstract

Background
Supplemental oxygen is the key intervention for severe and critical COVID-19 patients. With the unstable supplies of oxygen in many countries it is important to define the lowest safe dosage.
Methods
In spring 2020, 110 COVID-19 patients were enrolled as part of the Handling Oxygenation Targets in the ICU trial (HOT-ICU). Patients were allocated within 12 hours of ICU admission. Oxygen therapy was titrated to a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 8 kPa (lower oxygenation group) or a PaO2 of 12 kPa (higher oxygenation group) during ICU stay up to 90 days. We report key outcomes at 90 days for the sub-group of COVID-19 patients.
Results
At 90 days, 22 of 54 patients (40.7 in the lower oxygenation group and 23 of 55 patients (41.8 in the higher oxygenation group had died (adjusted risk ratio: 0.87; 95 0.58 - 1.32). Percentage of days alive without life support was significantly higher in the lower oxygenation group (p=0.03). Numbers of severe ischemic events were low with no difference between the two groups. Proning and inhaled vasodilators were used more frequently, and the positive end-expiratory pressure was higher in the higher oxygenation group. Tests for interactions with the results of the remaining HOT-ICU population were insignificant.
Conclusions
Targeting a PaO2 of 8 kPa may be beneficial in ICU patients with COVID-19. These results come with uncertainty due to the low number of patients in this unplanned sub-group analysis, and insignificant tests for interaction with the main HOT-ICU trial.
Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
Volume66
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)76-84
Number of pages9
ISSN0001-5172
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Intensive Care Units
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Randomised Controlled Trial
  • Respiratory Insufficiency
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

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