The Effects of Chronic Hypoxemia on Electrolyte and Acid—Base Equilibrium: An Examination of Normocapneic Hypoxemia and of the Influence of Hypoxemia on the Adaptation to Chronic Hypercapnia

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Abstract

We have carried out balance studies in normal dogs in order to appraise the effects of chronic hypoxemia on acid—base and electrolyte equilibrium. During the first phase of observation we produced a state of “pure” hypoxemia by reducing the oxygen concentration (utilizing nitrogen as a diluent) and by adding carbon dioxide to the environment in a concentration sufficient to keep arterial CO2 tension (PCO2) within normal limits. The data demonstrate that such a 9-day period of normocapneic hypoxemia has no effect on electrolyte excretion and is virtually without effect on plasma composition.

Authors

Daniel G. Sapir, David Z. Levine, William B. Schwartz