With Oxygen, Could Less Be More?

Studies raise questions about delivering more oxygen than needed.

In 2016, two trials were published in which researchers examined established uses of supplemental oxygen. These results raise questions about our current practices.

A multicenter U.S. trial included 738 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild-to-moderate resting hypoxemia (oxyhemoglobin saturation [SpO₂], 89%–93%) or moderate exertional hypoxemia (SpO₂, <90% for ≥10 seconds, but ≥80% for ≥5 minutes during a 6-minute walk test). Patients were randomized to supplemental oxygen or no supplemental oxygen. During 18 months of follow-up, investigators found no differences between groups in mortality, hospitalization rates, quality of life, or lung function (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2016 and N Engl J Med 2016; 375:1617).

In …

Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

With Oxygen, Could Less Be More?

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