Oxygenation Index (OI)
Calculates the Oxygenation Index to quantify the severity of hypoxic respiratory failure in mechanically ventilated paediatric patients. Used to guide ECMO candidacy and PARDS severity classification.
Score interpretation
→ OI <4: Adequate oxygenation. No significant hypoxic respiratory failure.
→ OI 4–7.9: Mild Paediatric ARDS (PARDS). Optimise ventilation strategy; lung-protective settings.
→ OI 8–15.9: Moderate PARDS. Lung-protective ventilation; PEEP optimisation; consider prone positioning; PICU level care.
→ OI 16–25: Severe PARDS. High risk of mortality. Escalate to PICU; consider prone positioning, inhaled nitric oxide, and ECMO consultation.
→ OI >25: Meets threshold for ECMO consideration per PALICC guidelines. Urgent ECMO team consultation; transfer to ECMO centre if not available.
Interpretation bands for the Oxygenation Index. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT-1) for Paediatric Iatrogenic Withdrawal · Critical Care
- Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) · Critical Care
- Paediatric Fluid Resuscitation Calculator · Critical Care
- Paediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM3) · Critical Care
- Berlin Criteria for ARDS · Critical Care
- Berlin Criteria for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) · Critical Care
- Dexamethasone (ICU / ARDS) · Systemic Corticosteroid
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (clotting factor cofactor)
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (Coagulation Factor Synthesis)
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain) · NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.