What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the principles of oxygen transport to the brain, the effects of hyperoxia on cerebral metabolism, and the role of lactate after traumatic brain injury.
What They Found
Hyperoxia, achieved by increasing the inspired fraction of oxygen, was shown to decrease cerebral lactate concentration in the extracellular space. However, brain oxygen delivery was not substantially improved, and the ratio between lactate and pyruvate remained unchanged. Currently, there is no evidence supporting any clinical benefit of hyperoxia in brain-injured patients.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The review highlights a lack of current evidence supporting clinical benefits of hyperoxia and the need for further investigation into post-traumatic brain extracellular lactate accumulation.