Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity

Abstract

To study the early changes in the lower respiratory tract in persons exposed to periods of hyperoxia usually considered safe, we evaluated 14 normal subjects by bronchoalveolar lavage before and immediately after 16.7±1.1 hours of breathing more than 95 per cent oxygen. Hyperoxia caused a significant alveolar-capillary "leak" as detected by the presence of increased plasma albumin and transferrin in lavage fluid. These changes were reversible, as shown at repeat lavage in four subjects two weeks after oxygen administration.