Minimal PaO2 threshold after traumatic brain injury and clinical utility of a novel brain oxygenation ratio

Abstract

The authors' results suggest that the minimal PaO2 target to ensure adequate cerebral oxygenation during the first few days after TBI should be higher than that suggested in the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. The use of a PbtO2/PaO2 ratio (BOx ratio) may be clinically useful and identifies abnormal O2 delivery mechanisms (cerebral blood flow, diffusion, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen) despite normal PbtO2.