Oxygen in acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction
Date First Published:
July 5, 2003
Last Updated:
January 21, 2004
Report by:
Richard Body, SHO, A&E Rotation (Stepping Hill Hospital)
Search checked by:
Kerstin Hogg, Stepping Hill Hospital
Three-Part Question:
In [patients with acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction] does [oxygen therapy] lead to [reduced mortality]?
Clinical Scenario:
A 60-year-old man presents to the Emergency Department with acute severe crushing chest pain. ECG shows changes consistent with acute myocardial infarction. You prescribe aspirin, thrombolysis, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers and high-flow oxygen. You know that oxygen therapy is traditionally held to be beneficial in this situation, but wonder if there is any evidence that it reduces mortality.
Search Strategy:
Medline 1966-10/03 using the OVID interface.
Search Details:
[exp myocardial infarction OR myocardial infarct$.mp OR MI.mp OR heart attack.mp OR exp Coronary Thrombosis OR acute coronary syndrome.mp] AND [exp oxygen OR oxygen.mp OR O2.mp OR exp oxygen inhalation therapy] AND [exp Mortality OR exp Hospital Mortality OR mortality.mp OR exp Death OR death.mp] LIMIT to human AND English.
Outcome:
Altogether 290 papers were identified, only one of which was relevant to the question.
Relevant Paper(s):
| Study Title | Patient Group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcomes | Key results | Study Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled trial of oxygen in uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Rawles JM, Kenmure ACF. 1976, UK | 157 patients with acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction Oxygen vs. compressed air via MC mask at 6l/min for 24 hours |
PRCT | Incidence of arrhythmias | More sinus tachycardia in oxygen group (p<0.05); no other significant differences | No power calculation No assessment of pain scores Effect of implementing intention to treat analysis not discussed |
| Number of patients given analgesics/number of doses given (diamorphine) | No significant difference | ||||
| Mortality | 9 vs 3 deaths (not significant) |
Author Commentary:
The routine use of oxygen in myocardial infarction has been widely advocated for many years. However, the only study to investigate the efficacy of this approach was underpowered to show a difference in mortality.
Bottom Line:
In patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction there is no evidence that supplemental oxygen reduces mortality. However the there is no evidence of harm. Further research is required before changes in current practice should be recommended.
References:
- Rawles JM, Kenmure ACF.. Controlled trial of oxygen in uncomplicated myocardial infarction.