What is the normal rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) for an adult?

The normal rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) for an adult at rest typically ranges from about 200 to 250 ml/min. This value represents the amount of oxygen used by the body to produce energy via aerobic metabolism under basal, resting conditions.

This metabolic requirement is influenced by factors such as body size, age, and activity level, but in adults, the range around 200-250 ml/min is generally accepted as the standard for resting conditions.

Understanding this range is crucial for ECMO specialists, as the monitoring of oxygen consumption can provide insights into a patient's metabolic status, guide treatment decisions, and assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal support. Oxygen consumption is an essential parameter in critically ill patients, particularly those requiring ECMO, as it helps evaluate the adequacy of oxygen delivery and can indicate underlying issues such as hypoxia or decreased cardiac output.

Thus, recognizing that the average adult's VO2 falls within this range aids healthcare professionals in ensuring proper oxygenation and perfusion in patients undergoing ECMO.