The SOS Pilot Study: Effect of Routine Oxygen Supplementation After Acute Stroke
Author Information
Author(s): Roffe Christine, Ali Khalid, Warusevitane Anushka, Sills Sheila, Pountain Sarah, Allen Martin, Hodsoll John, Lally Frank, Jones Peter, Crome Peter
Primary Institution: North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust
Hypothesis
Oxygen supplementation could prevent hypoxia and improve recovery after a stroke.
Conclusion
Routine oxygen supplementation started within 24 hours of hospital admission with acute stroke led to a small, but statistically significant, improvement in neurological recovery at 1 week.
Supporting Evidence
- 31% of participants in the oxygen group showed significant improvement in neurological scores compared to 14% in the control group.
- The median NIHSS score improved more in the oxygen group than in the control group.
- Oxygen saturation was significantly higher in the oxygen group during treatment.
Takeaway
Giving extra oxygen to stroke patients can help them get better faster, but it only helps a little bit.
Methodology
Patients with acute stroke were randomized to receive oxygen via nasal cannulae for 72 hours or control (room air).
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-blinding of medical staff to treatment allocation.
Limitations
The study may have a baseline imbalance in stroke severity between the two groups.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 72.3 years, with 47% male and 84% independent in daily activities before the stroke.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
OR: 2.9 (1.59–5.4)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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