Ambulatory oxygen for treatment of exertional hypoxaemia in pulmonary fibrosis (PFOX trial): A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction Interstitial lung diseases are characterised by scarring of lung tissue that leads to reduced transfer of oxygen into the blood, decreased exercise capacity and premature death. Ambulatory oxygen therapy may be used to treat exertional oxyhaemoglobin desaturation, but there is little evidence to support its efficacy and there is wide variation in clinical practice. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ambulatory oxygen versus ambulatory air in people with fibrotic interstitial lung disease and exertional desaturation. Methods and analysis A randomised, controlled trial with blinding of participants, clinicians and researchers will be conduct..