Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance in Hypothermia

Abstract

Dogs were cooled in an ice-water bath, and plasma electrolytes were measured at heart temperatures of 38[degree]C, 28[degree]C and 25[degree]C. A "cold acidosis" occurred during hypothermia that is attributable largely to temperature-influenced physico-chemical factors related to the buffer systems. A slight respiratory depression is of greater importance in decreasing plasma pH at lower body temperature than at normal body temperature.