[Optimal pH and PaCO2 during moderate hypothermia]

Effects of pH and PaCO2 on cerebral as well as systemic hemodynamics and oxygen consumption were investigated during moderate hypothermia under 0.5% halothane anesthesia. Twenty-seven adult mongrel dogs were cooled to 28 degrees C (brain temperature) with a surface cooling method. They were divided into 3 groups, pH-stat (pH 7.35 n = 9), alpha-stat (pH 7.48 n = 9), and alkalosis (pH 7.70 n = 9). During hypothermia cardiac index fell to 74%, 56%, and 45%, and cerebral blood flow to 54%, 42%, and 36% in pH-stat, alpha-stat and alkalosis groups, respectively. Cerebral and systemic oxygen consumptions decreased to approximately 54% and 47%, respectively in all groups. Cerebrospinal fluid pH rose from 7.36 precooling to 7.49 (pH-stat), 7.53 (alpha-stat), and 7.72 (alkalosis). We concluded from these results that pH-stat and alpha-stat management have no significant effect on either hemodynamics or metabolism during moderate hypothermia but alkalosis management has deleterious effects because of the alkalinity itself and of the hyperventilation by which the alkalosis is induced.