[Modification of nocturnal heart rhythm disorders using oxygen therapy in patients with chronic obstructive lung...

In 14 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, the effect of nocturnal oxygen therapy was evaluated. The mean flow of 100% oxygen was 2 l/min. We registered the transcutaneously measured blood gases over 10 h, beginning at 8 p.m. while patients were breathing air, the lowest value of PO2 was mean = 45 mm Hg, and while they were breathing oxygen it was mean = 57 mm Hg. Continuous electrocardiograms showed a reduction of supraventricular arrhythmias, from 180 premature beats over 10 h during inhalation of air to 86 during oxygen inhalation. In each of the 13 patients we found a decrease in frequency of premature ventricular beats (from mean = 141 to mean 54 over 10 h, i.e., from 100% to 25.5% +/- 17.1%. During the 2 h of lowest oxygen saturation, the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias was increased. We expected 20% and registered 38.8%.