Assessment of pulmonary oxygen toxicity: Relevance to professional diving; a review

Abstract

When breathing oxygen with partial oxygen pressures (PO2) of between 50 and 300. kPa pathological pulmonary changes develop after 3-24. h depending on the PO2. This kind of injury (known as pulmonary oxygen toxicity) is not only observed in ventilated patients but is also considered an occupational hazard in oxygen divers or mixed gas divers. To prevent these latter groups from sustaining irreversible lesions adequate prevention is required.This review summarizes the pathophysiological effects on the respiratory tract when breathing oxygen with PO2 of 50-300. kPa (hyperoxia). We discuss to what extent the most commonly used lung function parameters change after exposure to hyperoxia and its role in monitoring the onset and development of pulmonary oxygen toxicity in daily practice. Finally, new techniques in respiratory medicine are discussed with regard to their usefulness in monitoring pulmonary oxygen toxicity in divers. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.V.