Predictors of Successful Oxygen Weaning in Older Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation

To identify clinical and/or functional variables predictive of successful oxygen-weaning among older patients affected by respiratory insufficiency undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation.

Retrospective study.

Data are from 154 patients aged 65 years and older (mean age = 78.1 years; female 50.6%) admitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation unit to follow an in-patient program. Patients must require oxygen therapy at admission.

All patients performed the 6-Minute Walking Test at admission and before discharge as well as a spirometry at a steady state. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify positive and negative predictors of successful oxygen weaning.

Successful oxygen weaning was obtained in 47 participants (30.5%). The restrictive pattern was associated with a 4-fold likelihood of successful oxygen weaning at the end of the rehabilitation program compared with the obstructive one. A positive association was also found for arterial oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio) at baseline. A decreased likelihood of successful oxygen weaning was reported for the subjective dyspnea perception score at exertion evaluated with a modified Borg scale.

The restrictive pattern, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, and modified Borg dyspnea scale score under exertion were significantly associated with successful oxygen-weaning. The identified predictors may support clinicians at precociously identifying patients who may not require oxygen therapy after discharge. Therefore, these findings would make it possible for clinicians to better tailor the rehabilitation program.