The Carbon Dioxide Response Curve for Chronic Hypercapnia in Man

Abstract

RESPIRATORY failure is usually complicated by a rising blood carbon dioxide tension (pCO₂) and, as a consequence, carbonic acid and hydrogen ion concentration increase in the body fluids. Acutely, the resulting acidosis is partially offset through the body buffers that raise the concentration of bicarbonate. Subsequently, defense of blood pH is strengthened by the generation of new bicarbonate by the kidney. This renal compensation, although much slower than the acute buffering process, is a great deal more effective in protecting blood pH.The wide scatter of acid–base patterns reported in chronic pulmonary insufficiency, ranging from alkalosis to severe . . .