The Efficacy of the AIRVO Warm Humidifier as an Add on to Oxygen Therapy

The primary purpose of this study is to show whether at home usage of the AIRVO warm humidifier can potentially reduce the number of exacerbations in patients with significant respiratory insufficiency. Eligible participants of the study must have a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stage II-IV..

SPECIFIC AIMS/OBJECTIVES To determine whether the patients with chronic respiratory sufficiency can benefit from the AIRVO warm humidifier by decreasing the number of exacerbations. Furthermore, to determine the efficacy of warm humidification oxygen therapy compared to dry oxygen therapy, in short-term and long-term treatment of patients with stage II-IV COPD.

Primary Objective:

To observer and compare the exacerbation frequency between the warm humidification oxygen therapy group and dry oxygen therapy group.

Secondary Objective:

Compare the number of exacerbation days, median time to first exacerbation, hospital readmissions, and antibiotic use pertaining to respiratory infections with the baseline values. Evaluate and compare the quality of life to the baseline measurements.

STUDY OVERVIEW

Methods:

The study will be conducted as an open label, non-randomized trial. Patients will be assigned to AIRVO humidification if they meet all of the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. All of the study participants will have the AIRVO warm humidifier installed at their home as a stand alone unit or in addition to their current LTOT therapy. For the patients that are already on LTOT, the oxygen flow setting will be increased to 20-25 l/min, to the optimum flow by taking in consideration the patient's preference.

Data:

Data to be collected includes exacerbation frequency, number of exacerbation days, and time to first exacerbation, pulmonary functions test, antibiotic usage and Quality of Life assessment.

Description of AIRVO:

The AIRVO is for the treatment of spontaneously breathing patients who would benefit from receiving high flow warmed and humidified respiratory gases. The AIRVO humidifier has adjustable flow setting for delivery of fully saturated breathing gases at 37°C, 100% humidity.

Flow rates on the humidifier are adjustable between 10 and 60 L/min for this specific population (general is 2 -60 L/min). AIRVO humidifier is intended to be used in combination with medical oxygen supply. When coupled to a medical oxygen supply, the regulation of oxygen concentration is ensured, allowing for treatment of COPD patients with greater oxygen flow without risking an increased accumulation of carbon dioxide. The mixed gases, atmospheric air and with medical oxygen, pass through a humidification chamber with sterile water for humidification and heating. Breathing tubes are equipped with spiral wire, this aids with heating and ensures the uniform temperature and humidity is maintained. The air is supplied to the patients at 37°C, 100% humidity. \[16\]

Treatment groups:

ARIVO:

All of the patients that will be Selected to participate in the study will be given an AIRVO humidifier by the study sponsor. Patients will be connected to and instructed in the use of the AIRVO. The total flow will be set at 20-25 L/min, exact flow rate will be dependent on the patient's preference. Optiflow oxygen catheter will be used to ensure against unpleasant sensation due to high flow and to avoid push back in the system.

When acceptable flow rate has been established, it is recorded in the patient's folder. The patients is then instructed to use the AIRVO for a minimum eight (8) hour period, preferably at night. Using the humidifier for a longer period of time is allowed. The total number of hours the humidifier was operational will be recorded at the end of the study.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Have stage II-IV COPD diagnosis Understand and accept oral and written information in English Be capable of handling the AIRVO warm humidifier after instruction \>18years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Comorbidity (known malignant disease, terminal illness, dementia, uncontrolled mental illness)
* Bronchiectasis without simultaneous COPD diagnosis
* Treatment with BiPAP in the home
* Affected level of consciousness
* Smoking status change during study period
* Inability to provided signed consent