Clinical Research Directory

Oxygen Reserve Index-Guided Oxygen Titration During Surgery in the Beach Chair Position

This study aims to evaluate whether guidance by the Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) improves inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO₂) titration compared with conventional pulse oximetry (SpO₂)-guided oxygen administration in adult patients undergoing surgery in the beach chair position. Oxygen therapy is routinely used during general anesthesia to prevent hypoxemia; however, excessive oxygen administration may result in hyperoxia, which has been associated with adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary effects. Standard pulse oximetry may not adequately detect hyperoxia when oxygen saturation values are high. In this prospective comparative study, patients will receive oxygen titration guided either by SpO₂ alone or by combined ORi and SpO₂ monitoring. The primary outcome is the incidence of intraoperative hyperoxemia, assessed by arterial blood gas analysis. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative oxygenation parameters and hemodynamic variables.

HYPER MIND - Hyperoxia Effects on Cerebral Hemodynamics

This study aims to better understand how short periods of exposure to high oxygen levels affect blood flow in the brain of patients who are intubated and mechanically ventilated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Many ICU patients receive more oxygen than strictly necessary, and high blood oxygen levels (hyperoxemia) are very common. However, the immediate effects of short hyperoxic exposures on cerebral circulation and autoregulation remain poorly understood. In this study, patients who already require mechanical ventilation for medical reasons will undergo a brief and controlled increase in the oxygen delivered through the ventilator (FiO₂). During this time, we will continuously monitor blood flow in one of the main brain arteries using a non-invasive ultrasound technique called transcranial Doppler (TCD). The goal is to evaluate how cerebral blood flow, pulsatility, and autoregulatory capacity change during and after a short hyperoxic stimulus. No additional invasive procedures are required beyond standard ICU monitoring, except for the temporary adjustment of the ventilator's oxygen settings and arterial blood gas sampling, which are part of usual care in critically ill patients. Participation does not provide direct clinical benefit but may help improve future oxygen management in ICU patients. The study involves minimal risk, as short hyperoxic exposures are already common in routine care and will be interrupted immediately in case of any adverse event.

Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects of Oxygen and Antioxidants (CHEOXANT)

This study is called CHE-OX-ANT (Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects of Oxygen and Antioxidants). It is a single-center, academic research project led by the Department of Intensive Care at Erasme Hospital (Université Libre de Bruxelles). The study focuses on understanding how the brain and blood vessels react when a person breathes pure oxygen and how these effects may be influenced by giving vitamin C, an antioxidant. Oxygen is one of the most common treatments in hospitals. While it can be life-saving, too much oxygen may sometimes cause harmful effects, such as oxidative stress (an imbalance between damaging molecules called free radicals and the body's defenses). Antioxidants like vitamin C may help counteract these effects. The goal of the study is to examine how a short period of high oxygen (30 minutes of 100% oxygen through a mask) affects cerebral hemodynamics, microcirculation, microperfusion, blood markers (levels of oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and microparticles). The study will also test whether giving vitamin C beforehand changes these responses compared to a placebo (saline solution). Each volunteer will participate in two sessions, one week apart. Before each session, participants will receive either vitamin C (given intravenously) or a placebo (saline). They will not know which one they receive. Then, they will breathe 100% oxygen for 30 minutes through a facial mask. Measurements will be taken at three times: before oxygen (t0), just after oxygen (t1), and 1 hour later (t2). These include: ultrasound of the brain's blood flow (transcranial Doppler), measurements of skin perfusion and blood samplings.

Comparison of Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) With Different Oximeters and Arterial Saturation (SaO2): Oxygap2 Study

The oximeter is used to monitor intensive care patients undergoing oxygen therapy. It indicates pulsed oxygen saturation (SpO2), a reflection of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) which enables detection of hypoxemia and hyperoxia, both deleterious state. Current SpO2 recommendations aim to reduce both risk of hypoxemia and hyperoxia. SpO2 is considered the 5th vital sign. Current recommendations for SpO2 targets do not consider the variability of oximeters used in clinical practice. This variability and lack of specification represent an obstacle to an optimal practice of oxygen therapy. Thus, this study aims to compare the SpO2 values of different oximeters (General Electric-GE, Medtronic, Masimo and Nonin) used in clinical practice with the SaO2 reference value obtained by an arterial gas in order to specify the precision and the systematic biases of the oximeters studied. This data will also make it possible to refine the recommendations concerning optimal oxygenation

OxyGap : Comparison Between Different Pulse Oximeter and With the Arterial Blood Gase

The oximeter is used to monitor intensive care patients undergoing oxygen therapy. It indicates pulsed oxygen saturation (SpO2), a reflection of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) which enables detection of hypoxemia and hyperoxia, both deleterious state. Current SpO2 recommendations aim to reduce both risk of hypoxemia and hyperoxia. SpO2 is considered the 5th vital sign. Current recommendations for SpO2 targets do not consider the variability of oximeters used in clinical practice. This variability and lack of specification represent an obstacle to an optimal practice of oxygen therapy. Thus, this study aims to compare the SpO2 values of different oximeters (Nonin, Masimo, Philips, Nellcor) used in clinical practice with the SaO2 reference value obtained by an arterial gas in order to specify the precision and the systematic biases of the oximeters studied. This data will also make it possible to refine the recommendations concerning optimal oxygenation