Which patients with moderate hypoxemia benefit from long-term oxygen therapy? Ways forward

• Main Authors: Ekström M, Ringbaek T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2018-01-01
• Series: International Journal of COPD
• Subjects: Survival; Oxygen therapy
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/which-patients-with-moderate-hypoxemia-benefit-from-long-term-oxygen-t-peer-reviewed-article-COPD

Magnus Ekström,1 Thomas Ringbaek2 1Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; 2Respiratory Department, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Abstract: Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves prognosis in patients with COPD and chronic severe hypoxemia. The efficacy in moderate hypoxemia (tension of arterial oxygen; on air, 7.4−8.0 kPa) was questioned by a recent large trial. We reviewed the evidence to date (five randomized trials; 1,191 participants, all with COPD). Based on the current evidence, the survival time may be improved in patients with moderate hypoxemia with secondary polycythemia or right-sided heart failure, but not in the absence of these signs. Clinically, LTOT is not indicated in moderate hypoxemia except in the few patients with polycythemia or signs of right-sided heart failure, which may reflect more chronic and severe hypoxemia. Keywords: survival, oxygen therapy, hypoxemia, COPD