Survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension related to long-term oxygen therapy

Long-term oxygen therapy has proven increased survival rates of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease and remains the only treatment so far to prolong life in these patients. No study has related hemodynamic measurements, lung function data, and age at beginning of long-term oxygen treatment to prognosis in these patients. In a retrospective study, we analyzed these parameters for 76 survivors and 51 deceased, starting supplemental oxygen therapy in 1981 and thereafter, concerning significant differences using the Proportional Hazards General Linear Model Procedure. A longer survival could be shown for PaP<30mmHg when compared to PaP>30mmHg (p=0.0442) and for the age <60 yrs compared to >60 yrs (p=0.0317). No contribution to prognosis could be made by FEV₁, IVC, PaO₂ and nationality. We conclude that hemodynamic measurements prior to long-term oxygen treatment are necessary since, besides age, they serve as the only indicator for prognosis in these patients.