Controlled Versus Standard Oxygen Therapy in ICU Patients With Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations frequently require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Oxygen therapy is an essential component of treatment; however, excessive oxygen administration may aggravate hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Current international guidelines recommend titrated oxygen therapy targeting an oxygen saturation of 88-92% in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, but evidence supporting this strategy in critically ill ICU patients remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare a controlled oxygen therapy strategy (target oxygen saturation 88-92%) with standard oxygen therapy (oxygen saturation >94%) in ICU patients admitted with acute exacerbation of COPD. The primary objective is to determine whether controlled oxygen therapy reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive). Secondary objectives include assessing the 28-day mortality, ICU length of stay, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and adverse events related to hyperoxia.