Pediatria pre prax 5/2017

Long term home oxygen therapy in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Long term home oxygen therapy (LTHOT) refers to the provision of oxygen therapy for continuous use at home for pacients with chronic hypoxaemia, due to any case, in order to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 92% or arterial oxygen tension above 8 kPa. It may be required 24 hours a day or during periods of sleep only. The principal aims of LTHOT are to prevent harm from chronic hypoxaemia and to improve any relevant symptoms. Chronic neonatal lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) is the main indication for LTHOT. It has been suggested that use of supplementary oxygen in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, reduces mortality from sudden infant death, reduces the frequency of intermittent desaturations, reduces pulmonary hypertension, reduces reversible obstructive lung disease, improves growth, and is likely to be beneficial for neurodevelopment. Last but not least, it reduces the risk of nosocomial infection, it is good for parent – child bonding and reduces the total cost of care for an infant.

Keywords: oxygen therapy, prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia