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STUDIES OF THE ACID-BASE EQUILIBRIUM IN DISEASE FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF BLOOD GASES.
J H Means1, A V Bock, M N Woodwell
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Carbon dioxide diagrams help assess acid-base balance. Alkali therapy is best for decompensated acidosis, but requires careful monitoring to prevent alkalosis.
Area of Science:
- Clinical chemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Acid-base equilibrium disturbances are common in various medical conditions.
- Understanding these disturbances is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize carbon dioxide diagrams for studying acid-base equilibrium disturbances in hospital patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy and indications for alkali therapy in acidosis.
Main Methods:
- Construction of carbon dioxide diagrams based on blood samples from patients.
- Observation of patient responses to specific treatments (fasting, hydration, sodium bicarbonate).
Main Results:
- A diabetic patient with compensated acidosis improved with fasting and hydration.
- A nephritic patient with decompensated acidosis developed alkalosis after sodium bicarbonate administration.
- Pneumonia patients showed signs suggestive of carbonic acidosis.
- Anemia patients exhibited an elevated blood dissociation curve, with no explanation provided.
Conclusions:
- Alkali therapy for acidosis is likely indicated only in decompensated cases.
- Careful control and avoidance of alkalosis are essential during alkali therapy.
- Carbon dioxide diagrams offer insights into acid-base disturbances in conditions like pneumonia and anemia.
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