What is the target oxygen saturation range for long-term home oxygen therapy in COPD?

• A. 88–92% (some guidelines up to 92%)
• B. 95–100%
• C. 90–95%
• D. 85–90%

Answer: (A)

The key idea is balancing oxygen delivery to COPD patients on long‑term oxygen therapy: you want enough oxygen to prevent tissue hypoxia but not so much that it worsens CO2 retention. In chronic COPD with hypoxemia, giving too much oxygen can blunt the drive to breathe and worsen hypercapnia, while too little leaves patients inadequately oxygenated. For LTOT, the target saturations are about 88–92% (with some guidelines allowing up to 92%). This range provides adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of oxygen-induced hypercapnia and ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Saturations below 88% indicate undersupply, while consistently exceeding 92% offers no additional survival benefit and can be harmful in this population.