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.