EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OXYGEN-THERAPY DUE TO PORTABLE LIQUID-OXYGEN TANKS IN DISABLED MALNOURISHED CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE PATIENTS WITH BORDERLINE HYPOXEMIA - AIM OF THE STUDY AND METHODS

Long-term oxygen therapy by light-weight portable liquid oxygen systems may improve the degree of functional handicap in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), borderline hypoxemia or exertional hypoxemia, limited walking distance and malnutrition who do not fullfill thc Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial criteria for long-term oxygen therapy. The paper will discuss a proposal for a study plan to test this hypothesis. After a period of stabilization, the methods of measurements include functional tests (walking tests, cycle exercise test [FiO2 21, 35%], baseline measurements of pulmonary function. arterial blood gases. lactate, right heart catheterization, radionuclide ventriculography). The study is designed as a multicentric, controlled, parallel and randomized test for oxygen treatment and no treatment by oxygen. The main outcome will be tested on the results of functional tests (walking tests. VO2max) to demonstrate the possible benefit of long-term oxygen therapy in borderline hypoxemic COPD patients.