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[Continuous domiciliary oxygen therapy in Zaragoza: a cross-sectional home study]
E Munilla1, S Carrizo, A Hernández
1Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Archivos De Bronconeumologia
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LDOT) use in Saragossa is high, but indications are often inappropriate. Many patients do not meet criteria, leading to infrequent daily use of oxygen.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Care
- Health Services Research
Context:
- Assesses the utilization of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LDOT) in Saragossa.
- A cross-sectional study involving 312 patients receiving home oxygen in January 1993.
- High rate of LDOT use in Saragossa, exceeding national averages.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the appropriateness of LDOT prescriptions and patient usage patterns.
- To collect data on indications, oxygen use, spirometry, SaO2, and quality of life.
- To identify factors contributing to the high rate and potentially inappropriate use of LDOT.
Summary:
- 195 patients (62.5%) had COPD, 33 (10.6%) asthma, and 53 (17%) other conditions.
- Only 101 of 184 patients met criteria for LDOT based on arterial gasometric readings.
- 28.5% of patients had SaO2 ≥ 92% and 61.8% had SaO2 ≥ 90% without oxygen.
- Only 31% used oxygen >15 hours/day; quality of life was linked to lung function, not oxygen use.
- Estimated 28.5-46% of LDOT indications were inappropriate, often due to lack of arterial gas measurements or incorrect patient selection.
Impact:
- Highlights significant overuse and inappropriate prescribing of LDOT in Saragossa.
- Suggests improved diagnostic practices, particularly arterial blood gas analysis, are needed.
- Identifies a need for better patient selection to ensure effective LDOT utilization and patient benefit.