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Air travel and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a new algorithm for pre-flight evaluation
Anne Edvardsen1, Aina Akerø, Carl C Christensen
1Department of Respiratory Physiology, Glittreklinikken, Hakadal, Norway. anne.edvardsen@glittreklinikken.no
Thorax
|July 7, 2012
Summary
A new algorithm using sea level pulse oximetry and exercise desaturation can predict oxygen needs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients flying by air. This tool helps determine if supplemental oxygen is required, ensuring safer air travel for COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Aviation Medicine
- Diagnostic Algorithm Development
Background:
- Reduced cabin pressure during air travel poses risks of hypoxemia and respiratory distress for COPD patients.
- There is a need for simple, reliable methods to assess fitness to fly and oxygen requirements for COPD individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a pre-flight evaluation algorithm for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- The algorithm aims to predict the necessity of supplemental oxygen during air travel.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study involved 100 COPD patients undergoing hypoxia-altitude simulation testing (HAST).
- Sea level pulse oximetry at rest (SpO2 SL) and 6-minute walk test desaturation (SpO2 6MWT) were utilized.
- HAST served as the reference standard for evaluating flight suitability and oxygen needs.
Main Results:
- An algorithm combining SpO2 SL and SpO2 6MWT was created.
- Specific thresholds were defined: SpO2 SL >95% with SpO2 6MWT ≥84% indicates fitness to fly without further assessment.
- Supplemental oxygen is recommended if SpO2 SL is 92-95% with SpO2 6MWT <84%, or if SpO2 SL <92%.
Conclusions:
- The developed algorithm is a simple and effective tool for pre-flight assessment of COPD patients.
- It aids in determining the need for supplemental oxygen, enhancing air travel safety for this population.
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