[Argentine Consensus of home long term oxygen therapy]

A national meeting of specialists in Respiratory Medicine took place with the aim of updating in a consensus the indicating criteria, source and ways of administering Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT). This is the only therapeutic intervention which improves the survival of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory insufficiency. We regulate its indication in patients with COPD, other obstructive and restrictive diseases, primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension with: 1) PaO2 lower or equal to 55 mmHg breathing air at rest; 2) PaO2 between 56 and 60 mmHg with polyglobulia, cor pulmonale or primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension evaluated in clinical stability by taking two samples of arterial blood gases, with two weeks' difference between them and more than one month after a new acute condition. Patients should receive this therapy more than 15 hours per day (better 24 hours) including sleeping time. Norms of study and indication, were established to set up the requirements of O2 during sleep and exercise. With respect to the sources it was concluded that the O2 concentrator is indicated for patients with very little home movements, and the sources, of O2 liquid for those with active social life. Indications for conventional and non conventional O2 administration were established. Complications and an algorithm of therapeutic failure were determined. Principles which should be contained in a future national law of OCD were delineated.