[Effects of long term oxygen therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I. Effect on the course of the primary disease and on pulmonary circulation].

The study was performed in 18 patients (15 F and 3-M) aged 35-57 yers (mean 46 +/- 7) diagnosed as idiopathic lung fibrosis. Ten patients (group A) recived standard treatment (prednisone 10-15 mg/day) and supplementary home oxygen therapy (mean 16.4 h/day) for a period of 4 years.