Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management

Recommendation ID: CG163/4
Question: Ambulatory oxygen to improve outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis:- Does ambulatory oxygen improve outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis frequently demonstrate a fall in oxygen saturation during exercise even though they are not hypoxic at rest. In such people, ambulatory oxygen is often provided to improve exercise capacity, enhance mobility and enable activities of daily living in order to improve quality of life. However, there are no randomised controlled trials to demonstrate that ambulatory oxygen therapy is effective in achieving these aims in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A randomised controlled trial should be conducted to determine the effects of ambulatory oxygen on quality of life in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and consideration given to the use of a placebo arm. This should include a standardised protocol for assessing exercise such as the 6-minute walk test. The end points may include 6-minute walk distance; breathlessness score; a measure of health-related quality of life (ideally employing a tool validated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients). Phase III trials should have a duration of greater than 12 months and include a health economic evaluation.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management
Number: CG163
Date issued: June 2013

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	12/07/2013