[Arterial blood gas and electrolytes in severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure: analysis of 50 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To study the characteristics of arterial blood gas and electrolytes in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure.


METHODS
In 50 patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis, the arterial blood gas and electrolytes were measured after the onset of respiratory failure to define the types of respiratory failure and acid-base imbalance.


RESULTS
Severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure was characterized by development of hypoxia, and the degree of hypercapnia may vary; more extensive tuberculous involvement or longer disease course suggest greater chance of type II respiratory failure. Increment of the anion gap occurred irrespective of the pH value.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of arterial blood gas and electrolytes may help monitor the progression of severe pulmonary tuberculosis and provides valuable information for implementing treatment and making prognostic decisions.
Dong
Qiu-lan
QL
Institute of Tuberculosis Control, Zhuhai, China. donqiulan.163.net
Wei
Chang-chun
CC
Guo
Hong-ge
HG
Wu
Dong-ling
DL
Liu
Yan-yan
YY
Li
Pei-zhu
PZ
D000137:Acid-Base Imbalance / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000097:blood*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000097:blood*
D004573:Electrolytes