Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
Use of heliox in patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
P Gerbeaux1, M Gainnier, A Boussuges
1Service d'Accueil des Urgences, Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France. pgerbeaux@mail.ap-hm.fr
Objective:
To assess whether patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with heliox have a better prognosis than those treated with standard therapy.
Design:
Retrospective analysis over 18 months.
Setting:
Academic emergency department.
Patients:
Eighty-one patients admitted with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory acidosis.
Interventions:
Use of helium-oxygen mixture as an adjunctive therapy.
Measurements And Main Results:
The following data were collected: age, gender, medical history, vital signs, arterial blood gas at admission, emergency room treatment, requirement for intubation, admission in intensive care unit, length of stay, and evolution. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether heliox was used as a therapeutic agent (heliox group) or not (standard group). Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis (significant at p <.05). In both groups, the following data were similar: age, gender, medical history, vital signs, initial arterial blood gas, and emergency room treatment. Significant decreases in intubation, and mortality rate were identified in the heliox group. Significant decreases in intensive care unit stay and in-hospital stay were observed for survivors in the heliox group.
Conclusion:
Use of heliox seems to improve prognosis in patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

