Papers And Originals
Daily Requirement of Oxygen to Reverse Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Chronic Bronchitis
Br Med J 1972; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5829.724 (Published 23 September 1972) Cite this as: Br Med J 1972;3:724
- R. D. Stark,
- P. Finnegan,
- J. M. Bishop
Abstract
We have shown previously in patients with chronic bronchitis that correction of the hypoxaemia by continuous administration of oxygen substantially reduced the pulmonary hypertension by reversal of structural changes in the pulmonary resistance vessels. We have now demonstrated that such improvements may occur with less than continuous oxygen. Treatment with oxygen for 18 hours daily significantly decreased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Oxygen therapy for 15 hours a day also decreased pulmonary vascular resistance; such a regimen is practicable in the home, is consistent with a working day free from the constraints of an oxygen supply, and should reduce the number of episodes of congestive cardiac failure.