Effect of oxygen-driven nebulization at different oxygen flows in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to study the effect of oxygen-driven nebulization (ODN) at different oxygen flows on heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO 2 , SaO 2 , PaO 2 , PaCO 2 and pH of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. Methods According to random number table, 9 AECOPD patients were randomly divided into 3 groups, numbered A, B and C and treated with ODN. Oxygen flow of groups A, B and C was 4-5, 6-7 and 8-9 L/min, respectively. Heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO 2 , SaO 2 , PaO 2 , PaCO 2 and pH were recorded before ODN and 30 minutes after ODN. Statistical differences of data before or after ODN were analyzed by analysis of variance and F-test, whereas data before and after ODN were tested by paired t test. Results There was no significant difference of heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO 2 , PaO 2 , PaCO 2 , SaO 2 and pH among 3 groups before ODN or after ODN. The heart rate was increased in all groups after ODN. But significant increase was only present in groups A and C but not in group B. SaO 2 was significantly increased in group C after ODN but no statistical difference was observed between before and after ODN in groups A and B. There was no significant change in respiratory rate, SpO 2 , PaO 2 , PaCO 2 , SaO 2 and pH between before and after ODN in all groups. Conclusions Optimal oxygen flow in ODN-treating AECOPD patients may be 6-7 L/min.