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

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, SpO2, SaO2, PaO2, PaCO2 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, SpO2, SaO2, PaO2, PaCO2 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, SpO2, PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2 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. SaO2 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, SpO2, PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2 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.