Similar risk of hospitalization and mortality for patients continuing and discontinuing LTOT.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

While the characteristics and medical management of patients treated with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) have transformed during the last decades, the evidence base for LTOT itself remains largely unchanged. This study aimed to compare the risk of hospitalization and death among hypoxemic patients discontinuing LTOT, with that of controls continuing therapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with LTOT included in the DISCOVERY cohort, using elements of target trial emulation. Patients who fulfilled LTOT criteria but discontinued treatment with LTOT within 90 days of initiation, not due to improving oxygenation or change of treatment modality, were identified. The risk of hospitalization and death as a composite outcome, and the ri

SUBMITTER: Bjorklund F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12619151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature