High-flow oxygen therapy for patients on long-term oxygen therapy

Effect of HIgh-flow Therapy in Long-term Oxygen Therapy (HILOT): A Multicenter, Registry-based, Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Skane University Hospital · NCT06247397

This study is testing if adding high-flow oxygen therapy at night can help people with COPD or interstitial lung disease who are already using long-term oxygen therapy feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment310 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSkane University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Karlskrona, Blekinge County and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06247397 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of adding high-flow oxygen therapy to standard low-flow oxygen therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD) who are already on long-term oxygen therapy. Conducted in Sweden, the study recruits participants through the Swedish National Registry for Respiratory Failure and compares the outcomes of those receiving high-flow therapy at night against those receiving only standard therapy over a one-year period. The goal is to enhance treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes in this high-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older who are on long-term oxygen therapy for COPD or ILD and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using home mechanical ventilation or have conditions like obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and reduce adverse events for patients with chronic respiratory failure.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being evaluated in this trial, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 40 years or older
* Ongoing LTOT: prescribed for at least 15 hours per day; and since at least 28 days as registered in Swedevox
* COPD or ILD as main underlying reason for LTOT
* Oxygen concentrator as stationary oxygen source in the home including night-time
* Body mass index (BMI) \< 35 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or previous treatment with home HFOT
* Current treatment with home mechanical ventilation
* Current treatment with home CPAP
* Hospitalized during the last 2 weeks
* Current smoking or contact with flames
* Self-reported average use of the LTOT \< 15h per day (24 hours)
* PaCO2 (breathing air at rest) \> 8 kPa
* Strong clinical suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or obesity-related hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) (as judged by the responsible staff)
* Inability to participate in the study procedures (as judged by the staff)
* Not eligible for continuing LTOT due to other reason (as judged by the staff)
* Expected survival less than 3 months (as judged by the staff)

Where this trial is running

Karlskrona, Blekinge County and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease SevereInterstitial Lung DiseaseChronic Respiratory Failure With Hypoxia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.