Long-term oxygen therapy in Catalonia over 18 years

Abstract

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) was initially indicated for the treatment of COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure. This treatment has been extended to other clinical situations with varying degrees of evidence for its benefit. <b>Aim:</b> To know the use of LTOT in Catalonia from 2003 to 2021. <b>Method:</b>&nbsp;Observational study including all patients on LTOT from 1st January of 2003 to 31 December 2021. Patients were selected through the Catalan Health Service. <b>Results:</b> 103,178 patients with 139,602 prescriptions have been analyzed: 55% male, mean age at the time of prescription 75 years. LTOT prescription has increased over these 18 years, more in women (26.2%) than in men (18.4%). Most prevalent pathologies are COPD (39%), palliative treatment (18%), heart failure (7.34%) and interstitial lung diseases (5%). The stationary oxygen concentrator is the main source of administration (81%) followed by the portable oxygen concentrator (9.3%) and liquid oxygen (7.82%).&nbsp;LTOT has been withdrawn in 85,267 patients (death in 61% of all patients, clinical discharge in 15.5%, voluntary discharge in 0.5% voluntarily and non-compliance in 0.24%) with an average duration of treatment of 593 days (0 to 7459). The overall prevalence of LTOT in Catalonia is 239/100.00 inhabitants, with significant territorial differences. <b>Conclusions:</b> 1. LTOT prescription has increased significantly. 2. COPD remains the most prevalent pathology with a large increase in prescription in other indications (palliative use). 3. The stationary concentrator is the most prescribed source of administration with a gradual increase in portable systems, especially&nbsp;for its use in interstitial lung diseases. 4. Portable concentrators tend to replace liquid oxygen.