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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 5/2012

01-10-2012 | Viewpoint

Oxygen-induced hypercapnia in COPD: myths and facts

Authors: Wilson F Abdo, Leo MA Heunks

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 5/2012

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Abstract

During our medical training, we learned that oxygen administration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induces hypercapnia through the 'hypoxic drive' mechanism and can be dangerous. This mindset frequently results in the reluctance of clinicians to administer oxygen to hypoxemic patients with COPD. However, this fear is not based on evidence in the literature. Here, we will review the impact and pathophysiology of oxygen-induced hypercapnia in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and recommend a titrated oxygen management.
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Metadata
Title
Oxygen-induced hypercapnia in COPD: myths and facts
Authors
Wilson F Abdo
Leo MA Heunks
Publication date
01-10-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 5/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc11475

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