Number of exacerbations in COPD patients treated with nasal high flow heated and humidified oxygen

Introduction: This randomized, placebo-controlled one-year study of 200 patients is to evaluate the effect of the AIRVO device delivering nasal high flow (NHF) warmed and humidified oxygen-enriched air between 20 to 30 L per minute to COPD patients in need of long term oxygen therapy (LTOT). An interim analysis at six months has evaluated the treatment effect on the number of exacerbations of COPD(AECOPD). Method : In this prospective study, 86 COPD patients, treated with LTOT, who were randomized to NHF or placebo between March 2012 and July 2013, are included in an interim analysis of AECOPD. Any patients who have discontinued prior to six months are included. The two groups are compared for baseline and demographic characteristics. Results : Patients to date are equally divided between the NHF (43) and the control (43) groups. The 86 patients are 69% (59/86) female with average age 71 years (range 47-86). The two groups are comparable in age, gender, smoking status, pack years, BMI, mMRC-score, FEV1%, 6 minutes walking test and number of exacerbations 12 months prior to study start. Twenty subjects have not completed to six months for various reasons, including death; 12 in the NHF group (2 deaths) and 8 in the treatment group (3 deaths). There are 71 cases of AECOPD in the NHF group and 119 in the control group, giving a significant difference (p < 0.01) when modeled as Poisson data. Conclusion : Preliminary analysis results show a significant treatment effect in favor of NHF reducing AECOPD in COPD patients in need of LTOT.