Modification of nocturnal heart rhythm disorders using oxygen therapy in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease
Rühle, K.H.; Huber, G.; Klein, G.; Matthys, H.
Zeitschrift für Kardiologie 72(10): 604-608
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5860 PMID: 6649753 Document Number: 214994
In 14 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, the effect of nocturnal oxygen therapy was evaluated. The mean flow of 100% oxygen was 2 l/min. We registered the transcutaneously measured blood gases over 10 h, beginning at 8 p.m. while patients were breathing air, the lowest value of PO2 was mean = 45 mm Hg, and while they were breathing oxygen it was mean = 57 mm Hg. Continuous electrocardiograms showed a reduction of supraventricular arrhythmias, from 180 premature beats over 10 h during inhalation of air to 86 during oxygen inhalation. In each of the 13 patients we found a decrease in frequency of premature ventricular beats (from mean = 141 to mean 54 over 10 h, i.e., from 100% to 25.5% +/- 17.1%. During the 2 h of lowest oxygen saturation, the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias was increased. We expected 20% and registered 38.8%.