Uronis, H.E., & Abernethy, A.P. (2008). Oxygen for relief of dyspnea: What is the evidence? Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 2(2), 89-94.

The objective was to summarize and evaluate evidence for the use of oxygen for the relief of dyspnea, with particular focus on situations in which oxygen is not already funded via long-term oxygen treatment guidelines.

• This article was an expert review of selected recent articles regarding use of oxygen for management of breathlessness.
• The authors did not describe a clear study design.
• Suggested support of oxygen was based upon a single 2005 article.
• A total of four studies were reviewed initally; four studies were included in the report.
• The method of study evaluation was not defined.
• The total sample size was not applicable.
• The sample range across studies was not applicable.
• Sample characteristics were not applicable.
• Databases searched were not defined.
• Search keywords were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, malignancy, oxygen, and palliative care.
• Recent/new data from one randomized controlled trial and three systematic reviews regarding use of oxygen for management of breathlessness were included.
• Exclusion criteria were not defined.

The literature reviewed in this manuscript was dated 1980-2008. Early articles were used to support conclusions in the four articles dated 2007 (3) and 2008 (1).

Based on their evaluation of a single systematic review and meta-analysis, no conclusive benefit of oxygen therapy was determined among the cancer population. The authors recommend the N of one methodology, where oxygen or air should be used on an individual basis for breathlessness at rest or with exercise. They advocate this oxygen trial start with short-burst oxygen and continued use for specific patients who report reduction in breathlessness, regardless of level of hypoxia. They term this palliative oxygen rather than treatment of hypoxia.