Prevalence and characteristics of low oxygen saturation (SpO2) in a primary care COPD cohort

Abstract

Introduction: Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) reduces mortality and improves function in patients with COPD. Guidelines for prescribing oxygen therapy vary; however, all agree that (LTOT) should be considered in patients at risk of developing hypoxemia. Aims and objectives: To describe prevalence of low SpO2 at rest, post-exercise and self-reported LTOT use amongst primary care COPD patients. Methods: Baseline data for existing COPD patients (n=1558) from the Birmingham COPD Cohort study were used to describe clinical and demographic characteristics by SpO2 level. “Low SpO2” was defined as ≤92% at rest. We also reported the number of patients experiencing ≥4% SpO2 drop post-exercise, which was a one-minute sit-to-stand test. Results: 159 (11%) patients had ≤92% resting SpO2. Patients with low SpO2 were more likely to be ever-smokers (p After exercise, 92 (8%) desaturated >4%, from their resting SpO2; the majority of whom, 64 (70%) had normal SpO2 at baseline. Conclusion: Within a primary care COPD population, patients with lower SpO2 were more likely to report worse breathlessness, lower exercise capacity, a history of smoking and be obese. Around 13% of patients in this cohort may benefit from LTOT use.