Predictors of Successful Oxygen Weaning in Older Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract

ObjectivesTo identify clinical and/or functional variables predictive of successful oxygen-weaning among older patients affected by respiratory insufficiency undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. DesignRetrospective study. Setting and ParticipantsData are from 154 patients aged 65 years and older (mean age = 78.1 years; female 50.6%) admitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation unit to follow an in-patient program. Patients must require oxygen therapy at admission. MethodsAll patients performed the 6-Minute Walking Test at admission and before discharge as well as a spirometry at a steady state. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify positive and negative predictors of successful oxygen weaning. ResultsSuccessful oxygen weaning was obtained in 47 participants (30.5%). The restrictive pattern was associated with a 4-fold likelihood of successful oxygen weaning at the end of the rehabilitation program compared with the obstructive one. A positive association was also found for arterial oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) at baseline. A decreased likelihood of successful oxygen weaning was reported for the subjective dyspnea perception score at exertion evaluated with a modified Borg scale. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe restrictive pattern, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and modified Borg dyspnea scale score under exertion were significantly associated with successful oxygen-weaning. The identified predictors may support clinicians at precociously identifying patients who may not require oxygen therapy after discharge. Therefore, these findings would make it possible for clinicians to better tailor the rehabilitation program.