Amine buffers in the management of acidosis. Study of respiratory and mixed acidosis.

Abstract

During the progression of a state of uncompensated acidosis, the marked increase in hydrogen ion concentration reflects severe metabolic alterations which eventually result in irreversible cellular damage. To date, the control of some acidotic states has been difficult because of the limitations of sodium buffers. Although amine buffers have been used for many years by biochemists, physiologic applications of these compounds have only recently been stimulated by the work of Nahas.¹The purpose of this presentation is to report the use of an amine buffer, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane,* in the clinical management of acidosis due to a variety of causes. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> Six infants and children with acidosis due to a variety of disease processes (Table) were treated with Tris (THAM) buffer. All of these patients except the baby with probable hyaline membrane disease were considered to be in a moribund state, and their clinical condition was deteriorating in spite