Oxygen and transport

Abstract
The role of oxygen transport-related variables in patient outcome has been known since the late 19th century. Recent techniques for measuring oxygen consumption (VO2) and oxygen delivery (DO2) have led to a better understanding of the relationship between DO2 and VO2, particularly in patients suffering from complications of bacterial infections. Whereas morbidity and mortality can be related to ‘critical’ DO2 and VO2 levels, it is still not clear which mechanism is responsible for these changes. Possible mechanisms may be tissue hypoxia or a direct cellular event. Patients suffering from septic complications frequently develop multiple system organ failure (MSOF), which is associated with high mortality rates. The present state of the concepts of pathophysiology, with special attention to ‘critical DO2’, is reviewed. Attention is focused on present and future therapeutic concepts.

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