Oxygenation Index (OI)
Calculates the Oxygenation Index (OI) for mechanically ventilated children. Under PALICC-2 (2023), the oxygenation criterion for paediatric ARDS (PARDS) with invasive ventilation is OI ≥ 4 or OSI ≥ 5. Severity, applied ≥ 4 h after initial diagnosis: mild/moderate OI < 16, severe OI ≥ 16 (or OSI ≥ 12). PARDS also needs the other PALICC-2 criteria.
Score interpretation
→ OI < 4 does not meet the OI arm of the PALICC-2 oxygenation criterion for paediatric ARDS with invasive ventilation (OI ≥ 4 or OSI ≥ 5); check the OSI.
→ PALICC-2: with invasive ventilation, OI ≥ 4 meets the PARDS oxygenation criterion; severity, applied ≥ 4 h after initial diagnosis, is mild/moderate at OI < 16. PARDS also needs the other PALICC-2 criteria. Lung-protective ventilation; PEEP optimisation; PICU level care.
→ Severe PARDS at OI ≥ 16 (PALICC-2, applied ≥ 4 h after initial diagnosis). Escalate to PICU; consider prone positioning. ECMO: PALICC-2 sets no strict criteria — consider it when lung-protective strategies fail and the cause is reversible.
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 (Coagulation Factor Synthesis)
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain) · NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor
- Vitamin K (Phytomenadione) · Vitamin / Haemostatic
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
