Development of the Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide During Exercise and at Night in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) IV

Development of the Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide During 6-min Walking Test and at Night in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV

The aim of this study is to investigate the development of partial pressure of carbon dioxide during the 6-min walking test and during night in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)-patients (GOLD stage IV). Therefore the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation and the heart rate are registered by a device called "Sentec" during the mentioned periods. In addition a measurement of activity is realised by an activity monitor ("Sensewear").

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD IV with and without a respiratory insufficiency
• maximal paCO² of 55mmHg at admission (taken at rest by blood gas analysis without LTOT)

Exclusion Criteria:

• paCO² > 55mmHg
• non-invasive ventilation
• acute exacerbation