Criteria for Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

Criteria for long-term oxygen is arterial hypoxemia defined as:

  • PaO2 ≤ 55 mmHg, or 56 to 59 mm Hg with cor pulmonale or signs of tissue hypoxia
  • Oxygen saturation ≤ 88%, or ≤ 89% with cor pulmonale or signs of tissue hypoxia
  • Nocturnal oxygen saturation ≤ 88%. These patients should use oxygen only at night.
  • Exercise hypoxemia with PaO2 ≤ 55 mm Hg, or oxygen saturation ≤ 88%. These patients should use oxygen only with exertion

Cor pulmonale = Right Heart Failure as a result of disease of the lungs or the pulmonary blood vessels.

PaO2 = arterial partial pressure of oxygen; SaO2 = Oxygen saturation

PaO2 and Oxygen saturation should be done at room air.

Monitoring and Follow Up

  • If patient meets criteria above, prescribe oxygen and titrate to keep SaO2 ≥ 90%
  • Follow up in 2-3 months to assess 1) If oxygen is still indicated, 2) If the prescribed supplemental oxygen is effective.

 

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