What is the population of study for the predictive value of the modified ROX (Rapid Shallow Breathing) index in adult patients with respiratory failure in intensive care units (ICUs)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: January 12, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Study Populations for Modified ROX Index Predictive Value

Primary Study Populations

The modified ROX (Respiratory rate-Oxygenation) index has been primarily studied in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure receiving high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy, with the most robust validation occurring in pneumonia patients admitted to intensive care units. 1

Core Patient Demographics

  • Adult patients (≥18 years) with acute respiratory failure requiring non-invasive respiratory support in ICU settings 2, 1
  • Mean age range: 61-70 years, with one large Indian cohort showing mean age of 65±8.80 years 3
  • Male predominance observed across studies (approximately 79.5% male in some cohorts) 3

Primary Clinical Conditions Studied

  • Pneumonia patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure represent the original validation cohort, with 191 patients in the multicenter prospective study 1
  • COVID-19 pneumonia with ARDS has become a major study population, with cohorts ranging from 44 to 249 patients 4, 5, 3
  • Patients requiring HFNC therapy across diverse ICU settings, including a large Indian study of 614 patients from 30 ICUs across 10 states 2

Specific Inclusion Characteristics

  • Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring oxygen supplementation beyond conventional methods 1
  • Patients initiated on HFNC therapy as the primary non-invasive respiratory support modality 4, 2, 1
  • ICU-level care requirements, with patients monitored continuously during the initial hours of respiratory support 4, 3

Geographic and Resource Diversity

  • Multicenter international cohorts including validation studies across different healthcare systems 1
  • Low-resource settings specifically studied in India, demonstrating the index's applicability across diverse resource contexts 5, 2
  • High-income healthcare systems in the original validation studies 1

Severity Stratification

  • Moderate to severe respiratory failure requiring escalation beyond conventional oxygen therapy 1, 3
  • Patients at risk for intubation, with failure rates ranging from 29.5% to 46.2% depending on the respiratory support modality 3
  • COVID-19 patients categorized as early responders (n=38), late responders (n=34), and non-responders (n=46) in outcome prediction studies 5

Key Exclusion Considerations

Studies typically excluded patients with immediate need for intubation at presentation, those unable to tolerate HFNC interface, and patients with contraindications to non-invasive ventilation, though specific exclusion criteria varied across studies 1, 3

Related Questions

What questions should I ask and physical examination findings should I look for in a 3-year-old female patient currently on High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) at 1L/kg with 25% Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2)?
What are the guidelines for initiating and managing high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in patients with respiratory distress?
How to wash out carbon dioxide on High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)?
What is the management for a patient with aspiration pneumonia and emphysema, currently on 6 liters (L) of oxygen via nasal cannula (NC)?
What is the role of the modified ROX (Rapid Oxygenation and Weaning) index in predicting extubation success in adult patients with respiratory failure?
What is the management approach for a patient with unilateral renal polycystic disease (Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, ADPKD)?
What are the possible side effects of the rabies vaccine (inactivated rabies vaccine, e.g., Imovax (Human Diploid Cell Vaccine) or RabAvert (Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine)) on a pregnant woman with compromised health status?
What is the appropriate management for a 48-year-old male with knee joint pain and hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid level)?
What is the role of the modified ROX (Rapid Oxygenation and Weaning) index in predicting extubation success in adult patients with respiratory failure?
Are there any complications in pregnancy for pregnant women who receive the rabies (Rabies Immunoglobulin) vaccine during pregnancy?
How is thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) managed in a pregnant patient?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.