Long-Term Continuous Oxygen Therapy in Chronic Airway Obstruction

Thirty-three patients received continuous oxygen therapy from 7 to 41 months. The increased mortality associated with cor pulmonale and severe hypoxia was reduced 30% and 40%, respectively, by this form of therapy when contrasted to other results reported in the literature. Continuous oxygen therapy does not prevent the late development of cor pulmonale, but it does make management significantly more effective when used with an overall care program. Continuous oxygen therapy has little beneficial effect on the mortality of patients with chronic airway obstruction when severe hypoxia or cor pulmonale is not present.