Table Indications for Long-Term Oxygen Therapy in COPD PaO2 ≤ 55 mm Hg or SaO2 ≤ 88% * in patients receiving optimal medical regimen for at least 30 days† PaO2 = 55 to 59 mm Hg or SaO2 ≤ 89% * for patients with cor pulmonale or erythrocytosis (> 55%) Can be considered for patients with exercise desaturation if there is symptomatic improvement; however, there is no improvement in survival or hospitalization.