Automatic Oxygen Titration With O2matic® to Patients Admitted With COVID-19 and Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Automatic Oxygen Titration With O2matic® to Patients Admitted With COVID-19 and Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pneumonitis often have hypoxemic respiratory failure and a need of supplementary oxygen. Guidelines recommend controlled oxygen, for most patients with a recommended interval of SpO2 between 92 and 96 %. We aimed to determine if closed-loop control of oxygen was feasible in patients with COVID-19 and could maintain SpO2 in the specified interval.

Patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pneumonitis often have hypoxemic respiratory failure and a need of supplementary oxygen. Guidelines recommend controlled oxygen, for most patients with a recommended interval of SpO2 between 92 and 96 %. We aimed to determine if closed-loop control of oxygen was feasible in patients with COVID-19 and could maintain SpO2 in the specified interval.

Patients were prospectively enrolled in an observational study on a medical ward dedicated to patients with COVID-19. Closed-loop controlled oxygen was delivered by O2matic® which can deliver 0-15 liters/min and adjusts flow every second based on 15 seconds averaging of SpO2 measured by pulse oximetry. Lung function parameters were measured at admission.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older than 18 years
• Positive COVID-19 PCR analysis in pharyngeal swab or in tracheal secretion
• Need oxygen supply to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92 %
• Able to comply with continuous measurement of SpO2 by pulse oximetry.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Need of oxygen supply > 10 liters/min at admission