During mechanical ventilation, for how many hours should exposure to 100% FiO2 be limited to, to avoid oxygen toxicity?

Limiting exposure to 100% fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) during mechanical ventilation is crucial to prevent oxygen toxicity, which can lead to significant pulmonary complications. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen can induce lung injury and impair the function of the respiratory epithelium.

Research suggests that keeping exposure to 100% FiO2 limited to about 24 hours helps mitigate the risks associated with oxygen toxicity. Although the precise duration may vary depending on clinical circumstances, 24 hours is commonly recognized in clinical practice as a reasonable threshold for exposure to 100% oxygen. After this period, it is often advisable to decrease the FiO2 to lower levels to sustain adequate oxygenation while minimizing potential oxidative damage to lung tissues.

Understanding this guideline is essential in critical care settings to balance the need for oxygenation with the risks posed by high levels of oxygen over extended periods. This approach helps maintain patient safety and improve outcomes in critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation.