Abstract

The patients studied were those to whom LTOT via oxygen concentrator was proposed between January 1990 and April 2001. This study was performed both retrospectively and prospectively. We evaluated 220 patients’ files and reports retrospectively. Patients to whom LTOT was recommended were invited for control via telephone. The patients who did not come to control, were evaluated by interrogation on the phone. Median time of LTOT was 28 months. Most frequent indication for LTOT was COPD (n=155; 70.5%). Technical maintenance was not available for 121 (84% of the patients). The incidence of adequate use of LTOT was 29%. The causes of inadequate use of LTOT were (1) the feeling that it is unnecessary for therapy, (2) power consumption, (3) sound of the machine and (4) lack of education. The most frequent problem of the therapy was machine break down (%45). The cases who came to control were using LTOT 2.2 times more effective than others. We think that patient’s compliance should be an indication criteria for LTOT. Also the patients must be controlled regularly. Besides, efficacy of LTOT and its effects on mortality and quality of life should be investigated by prospective studies.