Effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicating with hypercapnia

Objective To analyze the interventional effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) therapy in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with hypercapnia.

Methods A total of 45 patients with stable COPD complicating with hypercapnia who require long-term oxygen therapy were selected as study subjects. They were divided into three groups based on different respiratory support modes: long-term home oxygen therapy (LTOT) group, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) group, and HFNC group, with 15 patients in each group. The general condition, blood gas index, lung function index, respiratory status, quality of life, and walking test results of the three groups were compared after discharge.

Results During the follow-up period, the number of admission and acute exacerbation in the HFNC group and NIV group was lower than that in the LTOT group (P < 0.05). At 6 and 12 months after discharge, the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide p_a(CO₂) in the three groups was lower than before discharge, while the arterial partial pressure of oxygenp_a(O₂), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) were higher than before discharge. Moreover, the changes in the above indicators in the HFNC group were greater than those in the NIV group and LTOT group (P < 0.05). At 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month after discharge, the scores of dyspnea scale of the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and the St. George′s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in the three groups gradually decreased, and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) gradually increased. Additionally, the changesin the above indicators in the HFNC group were greater than those in the NIV group and LTOT group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion HFNC can effectively alleviate dyspnea symptoms, improve lung function, promote the recovery of blood gas indicators, enhance quality of life and exercise tolerance, and reduce re-hospitalization rates in patients with stable COPD combined with hypercapnia.