[Critical study of the indications for long-term oxygen therapy. Chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies].

Numerous studies have shown that longterm oxygen therapy in hypoxaemic patients with chronic airflow obstruction (BPCO) is capable of improving the prognosis and decreasing the risk of cardio-respiratory decompensation; in addition sometimes physical capacity and intellectual capacity is improved. Another result often noted is a reduction in the mean hospital stay which corresponds to an improvement in the quality of life. A PaO2 constantly below 55 mmHg (7.