Structured Discharge and Follow-up Protocol for COPD Patients Receiving LTOT and NIV

Inclusion Criteria

• •COPD patients who developed chronic respiratory failure and are eligible for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) according to Turkish National Social Security regulations
• •Definitions:
• •COPD: The diagnosis of COPD is made according to GOLD criteria Chronic respiratory failure: PaO2\>60mmHg at room air and/or PaCO2\> 45
• •Eligibility for LTOT:
• •1. PaO2 ≤ 55 mmHg or SaO2 ≤ 88% under room air
• •2. PaO2 value of 55-59 mmHg or SaO2 ≤ 89% and cor pulmonale with hematocrit \>55 or p pulmonale in ECG or congestive heart failure.
• •Eligibility for NIV:
• •1. PaCO2≥55 mmHg or
• •2. PaCO2 50 to 54 mmHg and nocturnal desaturation ≤ %88 for 5 minutes under 2lt/min nasal O2 therapy 3. PaCO2 50 to 54 mmHg and \>2 exacerbations within the last year