Abstract

 

Background: Hypoxemia and hypercapnia are frequently encountered in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute attack.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of 2 L/min oxygen given with nasal cannula on hypoxemia and hypercapnia in COPD patients with respiratory failure.

Methods: Twenty-six type I (Group I) and 36 type II (Group II) respiratory failure patients were included in the study. The patients’ initial clinical and laboratory findings were obtained. Spirometric examination and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis were repeated after the administration of optimal medical therapy including 2 L/min oxygen given with nasal cannula. The patients whose PaCO2 values increased more than 10 mmHg with the treatment were also grouped as Group III, and their comparison was made with the rest of the patients (Group IV).

Results: Among the initial laboratory parameters; PaO2 was lower in Group II (p