Background: COPD patients in long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV) need personalized LT-NIV-settings. Carbon dioxide tension and oxygen saturation (SO₂) are essential. However, daytime arterial blood gasses are often the only measurement available.

Capnography (CAP) and nocturnal oxygen saturation (NOX) monitoring has primarily been used in hospital. The use of LT-NIV has urged the need for home monitoring

Aim: To investigate the use CAP and NOX in a home setting to evaluate LT-NIV treatment targets.

Methods: In an ongoing real-life study, nocturnal CAP and NOX has been carried out in patients? homes one month after inclusion by a specialized nurse from the oxygen- and NIV homecare provider (AirLiquide). Data were evaluated by staff from the LT-NIV clinic in hospital. To evaluate NOX, SO₂ >88% >90 % of the night was considered satisfactory. Target reduction in transcutaneous carbon dioxide (P_tCO₂), after one month was min.1.0 kPa.

Results: Twenty-six CAPs were performed in 20 patients. In total, 23% were repeated due to technical issues (2/26) or non-adherence (4/26) (i.e sensor was detached by patients). In the latter a 30 minutes? spot CAP was performed in the morning before ending NIV treatment.

The goal for NOX was not reached in 50% of patients who had a mean of 31 % (range 11-79%) of the night with SO₂ <88%. A decrease in P_tCO₂ was seen in 17/20 (85%) (mean 0.98 kPa +/- 0.64) and 3/20 had an increase in P_tCO₂ (mean 0.69 kPa +/- 0.60).  NIV settings and supplementary oxygen levels were changed in 7/9 patients respectively.

Conclusion: Home CAP and NOX can contribute to optimal personalized settings for LT-NIV and oxygenation in COPD patients.