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BACKGROUND: Optimal titration of inspired oxygen is important to prevent hyperoxia in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs. There is mounting evidence of the deleterious effects of hyperoxia; however, there is a paucity of data about FIO2 practice and oxygen exposure among patients in ICUs. We therefore sought to assess excessive FIO2 exposure in mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury and to evaluate the effect on pulmonary outcomes. METHODS: From a database of ICU patients with acute lung injury identified by prospective electronic medical record screening, we identified those who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation for > 48 hours from January 1 to December 31, 2008. Ventilator settings, including FIO2 and corresponding SpO2, were collected from the electronic medical record at 15-min intervals for the first 48 hours. Excessive FIO2 was defined as FIO2 > 0.5 despite SpO2 > 92%. The association between the duration of excessive exposure and pulmonary outcomes was assessed by change in oxygenation index from baseline to 48 hours and was analyzed by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 210 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 155 (74%) were exposed to excessive FIO2 for a median duration of 17 hours (interquartile range 7.5–33 h). Prolonged exposure to excessive FIO2 correlated with worse oxygenation index at 48 hours in a dose-response manner ( P < .001.). Both exposure to higher FIO2 and longer duration of exposure were associated with worsening oxygenation index at 48 hours ( P < .001), more days on mechanical ventilation, longer ICU stay, and longer hospital stay ( P = .004). No mortality difference was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive oxygen supplementation is common in mechanically ventilated patients with ALI and may be associated with worsening lung function.

To the Editor: Rachmale et al[1][1] evaluated prospectively the electronic medical records of 289 patients with acute lung injury, of whom 210 patients met their inclusion criteria, which were summarized in Table 1 in their article. One-hundred fifty-five patients (74%) were exposed to excessive