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Oxygen as an Essential Medicine
Matthew F Mart1, Cornelius Sendagire2, Eugene Wesley Ely1
1Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 450, 4(th) Floor, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, 1310 24(th) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
Supplemental oxygen is vital in critical care, but optimal delivery methods are unknown. Improving oxygen access in low-resource settings is crucial to reduce preventable deaths, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Global health equity
Background:
- Supplemental oxygen is a critical care medication.
- Optimal oxygen dose and delivery systems require further clarification.
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant inequities in medical oxygen access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of oxygen "dose" and "delivery" in resource-limited settings.
- To underscore the impact of oxygen inequities on preventable mortality.
- To advocate for increased investment and research in medical oxygen utilization and access.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and analysis of existing literature and data on supplemental oxygen use.
- The focus is on identifying challenges and inequities in oxygen supply and demand, particularly in LMICs.
- The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on oxygen access is examined.
Main Results:
- Significant disparities exist in oxygen supply and demand within LMICs.
- These inequities contribute to preventable mortality.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing oxygen access challenges.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for improved strategies in supplemental oxygen delivery.
- Further research and investment are essential to ensure stable medical oxygen access globally.
- Addressing oxygen inequities is critical for reducing mortality in LMICs.
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