PICU Doc On Call

Oxygen Extraction Ratio (O₂ ER) in the PICU

May 11, 2025
Explore the oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) and its significance in pediatric critical care. Discover how this crucial metric impacts the management of cases like severe pneumonia and ARDS. The hosts delve into calculating O2ER and the importance of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) for optimizing oxygen delivery. Learn strategies to enhance oxygen supply while minimizing demand in critically ill young patients. This engaging conversation highlights vital clinical insights that can lead to improved outcomes for the most vulnerable.
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INSIGHT

Understanding Oxygen Extraction Ratio

  • Oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) is the fraction of oxygen delivered to tissues that is actually used.
  • It reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and tissue consumption in the body.
INSIGHT

Normal Oxygen Extraction in Children

  • Healthy children at rest have an O2 extraction ratio around 25%, with venous saturation about 70-75%.
  • This means 25% of oxygen is used by tissues, 75% returns unused to the heart.
INSIGHT

Compensatory Increase in O2 Extraction

  • In severe ARDS and septic shock, oxygen delivery is impaired by low oxygenation, anemia, and low cardiac output.
  • The body compensates by increasing oxygen extraction, sometimes doubling the normal fraction.
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