Barrot L, Asfar P, Mauny F, et al. - Given that a target partial pressure of arterial oxygen (Pao₂) between 55 and 80 mm Hg is advised in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ARDS Clinical Trials Network, researchers investigated whether improved outcomes in ARDS could be achieved by targeting the lower limit of this range. They performed this multicenter, randomized trial, wherein, the patients with ARDS were allocated to receive either conservative oxygen therapy (target Pao₂, 55 to 70 mm Hg; oxygen saturation as assessed by pulse oximetry [Spo₂], 88 to 92%) or liberal oxygen therapy (target Pao₂, 90 to 105 mm Hg; Spo₂, ≥ 96%) for 7 days. Death from any cause at 28 days was the primary outcome. Findings revealed that no increase in survival at 28 days was brought about by early exposure to a conservative-oxygenation strategy with a Pao₂ between 55 and 70 mm Hg in patients with ARDS.