Cerebral acid-base and gas metabolism in brain injury

Abstract

✓ Acid-base and gas parameters of CSF, jugular venous and arterial blood were measured in 45 patients with brain injury in the first 12 days after trauma or operation. CSF metabolic acidosis together with respiratory alkalosis and hypoxemia in the cerebral venous and arterial blood were the most characteristic findings. A close correlation between the severity of brain damage and the intensity of the CSF metabolic acidosis and arterial hypocapnia was revealed. It was concluded that brain hypoxia and acidosis play an important role in the development of cerebral edema and permanent brain damage.