[A simple formula for calculating the CO2 flow in controlled hyperventilation of patients with solvent poisoning]

Controlled hyperventilation is a therapeutic measure for the treatment of intoxications with solvents. To avoid the occurrence of respiratory alkalosis, carbon dioxide must be added to the inspiratory gas flow. Up to now the addition of carbon dioxide was performed empirically and was adapted to the needs by repeated blood gas analyses. We developed a formula enabling us to calculate the necessary carbon dioxide flow. A case report explains the procedure.