Improved Oxygenation After Transport in Patients With Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to measure the rate and magnitude of changes in oxygenation that occur in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure after transport by a critical care transport team. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 239 transports of patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring a fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio 2 ) > 50% transported from October 2009 to December 2012 from referring hospitals to 3 tertiary care hospitals. We analyzed the change the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood to FiO2 from the sending to the receiving hospital as well as the percentage saturation of oxygen (Spo 2 ) before, after, and en route. Results The mean change in the Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratio from the sending to the receiving hospital was an increase of 27.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.84-39.40; P = .0003). The mean change in Pao 2 was an increase of 27.85 mm Hg (CI, 17.49-38.22; P 2 was not significantly changed at −0.12 (CI, – 1.69 to 1.45, P = .9). Despite improvement in the Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratio and a stable Spo 2 on arrival, 28.1% of patients desaturated to Spo 2 Conclusion In patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure, Pao 2 /Fio 2 and Pao 2 increased after transport by a critical care transport team despite 28.1% of patients desaturating with hypoxemia in transit.