title: Apnea testing by artificial CO2 augmentation.
abstract: We used artificial augmentation of CO2 at a rate of 1 l/min after preoxygenation with 100% O2 to test for apnea in 34 patients with suspected brain death. Observation time was markedly reduced compared with conventional apneic oxygenation, allowing PaCO2 levels > or = 60 mm Hg to be reached within 2 minutes. Properly administered, CO2-supported apnea testing is quick, requires only simple technical equipment, and does not unduly lower PaO2 or pH. It seems to be a useful alternative in cases where reduction of ventilatory volume is not wanted.
authors.affiliation: Neurological Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001049:Apnea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001926:Brain Death / Q000503:physiopathology; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide