Supplemental oxygen therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: is less is more? How much is too much?

Currently available evidence supporting the use of supplemental oxygen therapy (SOT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is complex, and data on the mortality reduction associated with SOT usage in patients with severe daytime resting hypoxemia have not been updated since the development of other treatments.

No reduction in mortality was found when SOT was used in patients with moderate resting daytime, isolated nocturnal, or exercise-induced hypoxemia. However, some of these patients obtain other significant benefits during SOT, including increased exercise endurance, and a mortality reduction is possible in these 'responders'. The adverse effects of long-term oxygen therapy also need to be considered, such as reduced mobility and social stigma. Furthermore, conservative SOT could improve outcomes in the setting of COPD exacerbations compared with higher concentration oxygen regimens. Compared with usual fixed-dose SOT, automated oxygen administration devices might reduce dyspnea during exercise and COPD exacerbations.

Current recommendations for SOT need to be revised to focus on patients who respond best and benefit most from this therapy. A conservative approach to SOT can reduce side effects compared with higher concentration oxygen regimens, and automated oxygen administration devices may help to optimize SOT.