CHANGES of the acid-base equilibrium in frank pulmonary edema have been studied only recently by Anthonisen and Smith,1 who reported values up to 120 mm Hg of arterial carbon dioxide pressure (Pco2) in four cases of pulmonary edema. In the present paper we are reporting the values of the pH, Pco2, HCO3-, oxygen pressure (Po2), lactate, and pyruvate concentration in the arterial blood of six patients with severe pulmonary edema before and after treatment.
These results are compared with those observed in congestive heart failure, in chronic cor pulmonale, and hypercapnic coma.
Material and Methods
Arterial blood samples were obtained by percutaneous puncture of the femoral or brachial arteries with a 20 gauge needle attached to a heparinized syringe. For the lactate and pyruvate determination, 8 ml of a 10 ml blood sample was immediately deproteinized with 6% perchloric acid added in a 1:1 ratio.