Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index for High-Flow Nasal Cannula Assessment
ROX Index Calculator
Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index for High-Flow Nasal Cannula Assessment
About ROX Index
The ROX (Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation) Index is a clinical tool used to predict the success of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. It helps clinicians determine whether a patient is likely to benefit from continued HFNC or may require intubation.
Clinical Importance
HFNC therapy delivers heated, humidified oxygen at high flow rates, providing respiratory support for patients with hypoxemia. The ROX index helps identify patients who are responding well to HFNC versus those who may need escalation to mechanical ventilation.
ROX Index Calculation
The ROX Index is calculated using the following formula:
Where:
- SpOâ‚‚ = Oxygen saturation (%)
- FiOâ‚‚ = Fraction of inspired oxygen (as decimal, e.g., 0.5 for 50%)
- Respiratory Rate = Breaths per minute
Interpretation Guidelines
The ROX Index is typically evaluated at different time points after initiating HFNC therapy:
At 2 Hours
- ROX Index ≥ 4.88: High likelihood of HFNC success
- ROX Index < 4.88: Higher risk of HFNC failure
At 6 Hours
- ROX Index ≥ 4.88: High likelihood of HFNC success
- ROX Index < 4.88: Higher risk of HFNC failure
At 12 Hours
- ROX Index ≥ 4.88: High likelihood of HFNC success
- ROX Index 3.85-4.88: Intermediate risk
- ROX Index < 3.85: High risk of HFNC failure
Note: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Clinical decisions should not be based solely on this tool. Always consult with healthcare professionals for patient management.
ROX Index Calculator
ROX Index Result
Calculation Details
Understanding the ROX Index
SpOâ‚‚ (Oxygen Saturation): The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.
FiOâ‚‚ (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen): The concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture being inhaled.
Respiratory Rate: The number of breaths taken per minute.
Clinical Application: A higher ROX index indicates better oxygenation relative to respiratory effort, suggesting HFNC is effectively supporting the patient’s respiratory needs.
