Oxygenation Index (OI)
Measures severity of hypoxaemic respiratory failure in mechanically ventilated paediatric patients. OI >16 suggests severe respiratory failure; OI >40 indicates potential ECMO candidacy.
Score interpretation
OI <5 — normal oxygenation
→ Continue current ventilatory support; aim for OI improvement
OI 5–15 — mild to moderate hypoxaemic respiratory failure
→ Lung-protective ventilation; optimise PEEP; treat underlying cause; consider HFOV
OI 16–24 — moderate-severe respiratory failure (PARDS equivalent)
→ HFOV or advanced ventilation modes; prone positioning; neuromuscular blockade; PICU care; ECMO consideration
OI ≥25 — severe refractory hypoxaemia. OI ≥40 = ECMO indication threshold in PARDS.
→ Urgent ECMO evaluation; contact ECMO centre if OI ≥40 despite optimal ventilation; PICU escalation
Interpretation bands for the Oxygenation Index. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference Group. Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: consensus recommendations from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2015;16(5):428–439.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Enalapril (Paediatric Heart Failure / Hypertension) · ACE Inhibitor (Paediatric Heart Failure / Hypertension)
- Doxapram hydrochloride · Respiratory stimulant
- Dobutamine (Acute HF / Stress Echo) · Inotrope / Acute Heart Failure
- Milrinone · Inodilator / Acute Heart Failure
- Vericiguat · Heart Failure
- Ferric Carboxymaltose · Heart Failure
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.