The disturbances of acid-base balance in 32 patients with pulmonary emphysema were studied.
Respiratory acidosis was found in 10 patients and the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity was above 50% in all of these 10 patients. Positive correlation between arterial carbon dioxide pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure was found.
The serial gas analyses of the forced expired air indicated the disturbances of intra-pulmonary gas-mixing in the patients.
Influences of the induced hypoxia and hyperoxia were studied. The patients reacted as well as normal subjects to the induced hypoxia. Their acidosis became worse during the inhalation of 100% oxygen.
During the exercise test, arterial carbon dioxide pressure markedly increased in some patients who were suffering from severe disturbances of ventilation.
The effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor were studied on 3 patients with respiratory acidosis. And their acidosis was improved only during the administration of the drug.
The several factors concerning the development of the respiratory acidosis in pulmonary emphysema were discussed.