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The Effects of Helium-Hyperoxia on 6-min Walking Distance in COPD

Authors :
Darcy D. Marciniuk
Ron Clemens
Neil D. Eves
Scott J Butcher
John Reid
G. Fred MacDonald
Richard L. Jones
Source :
Chest. 131:1659-1665
Publication Year :
2007
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2007.

Abstract

Background We hypothesized that breathing helium-hyperoxia (HeO 2 ) would significantly improve 6-min walking test (6MWT) distance in COPD subjects. Methods This was a blinded, randomized crossover study. At visit 1, we assessed pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and 6MWT distance. Visits 2 and 3 consisted of four 6MWTs in which the following different inspired gases were used: room air (RA) by mask; 100% O 2 by mask (mask O 2 ); 100% O 2 by nasal prongs (nasal O 2 ); and 70% He/30% O 2 by mask (HeO 2 ). Walking distance, shortness of breath, leg fatigue, O 2 saturation, and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Results Sixteen COPD subjects participated (mean FEV 1 /FVC ratio [± SD], 48 ± 8%; mean FEV 1 , 55 ± 13% predicted). Subjects walked farther when breathing HeO 2 (564 m) compared to RA (497 m; p 2 (520 m; p 2 (528 m; p 2 , there was no increase in shortness of breath or leg fatigue. There was desaturation when breathing RA (8%; p 2 (5%; p 2 (3%; difference not significant) and mask O 2 (0%; difference not significant). There were no significant differences in HR in the four 6MWTs. Conclusions The use of HeO 2 increased 6MWT distance in COPD subjects more than either mask O 2 or nasal O 2 compared to RA. The increased walking distance was not associated with increased shortness of breath or leg fatigue. The results suggest that clinical benefit would be obtained by administering HeO 2 during exercise, which may have significant clinical implications for the management of COPD patients.

Details

ISSN :
00123692
Volume :
131
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Chest
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........1b35f60daf6e63de648442b368223ee3