Biochemical changes in acute respiratory failure.

Abstract

A study has been carried out on patients presenting respiratory failure from chronic obstructive lung disease. Acid-base balance, electrolytes and amino acids levels have been studied in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients in hypercapnic coma and results compared with those observed in patients with primary acute hypercapnia. Additional cardiopulmonary measurements were made. The study has shown evidence of significant modification of the distribution ratios of plasma and CSF electrolytes and amino acids, particularly in the patients with coma. The changes seem to be related to variations of the transmembrane potentials and alterations of some metabolic pathways involved in the homeostasis and in neurotransmission. Finally some of the changes of amino acid in plasma and CSF appear significantly correlated to variations in pulmonary function and to modification of acid-base balance observed both in plasma and CSF.