Effect of sodium nitroprusside on arterial blood-gases in man during general anesthesia

The effect of SNP on arterial blood gases was studied in a series of 25 patients undergoing neurosurgical operations. The PaO2 was slightly decreased after SNP infusion. The PaCO2 and the pH remained unchanged. Though this decrease in PaCO2 was not statistically significant the possible mechanisms and the clinical importance of this effect are discussed.