Abstract
There is ample evidence that hyperoxia augments tissue oxygenation and that its short-term use is safe with respect to oxidative stress-related tissue injury. Moreover, due to its vasoconstrictor effects, hyperoxia may help to stabilize hemodynamics during vasodilatory shock.
Finally, hyperoxia may limit the hyperinflammatory response present during early septic shock. In this hypothesis-generating review, we advocate the use of ventilation with 100% O2 as an adjunct measure of early goal-directed therapy during the first 12-24 hours of septic shock.