Baseosis and Hypopotassaemia in Chronic Hypercapnia: The Influence of Chloride and Potassium Intake during Administration of Diuretics

Abstract

The effect of bendroflumethiazide and mercaptomerin sodium was studied during the recovery phase from chronic hypercapnia. Renal excretion of chloride and potassium increased in spite of initial hypochloraemia. Base excess increased and severe baseosis was observed. It is concluded that supplementation with chloride and potassium may be a prerequisite for the maintenance of a normal arterial blood pH during administration of diuretics to individuals recovering from hypercapnia.

Key Words:

• Hypochloraemia
• pulmonary insufficiency