Pulmonary Insufficiency and Hypercapnia Complicated by Potassium-Responsive Alkalosis

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Abstract
TWO patients seen recently at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals presented severe chronic pulmonary insufficiency and hypercapnia complicated by systemic alkalosis. The alkalosis was rapidly corrected in both by the administration of large amounts of potassium salts. A strongly positive potassium balance was effected during this interim, suggesting that potassium depletion was causally related to the alkalosis.This unique association has not previously been reported. The purpose of this article is to point out its occurrence and to discuss the mechanisms where-by it might develop. Although any conclusions obtained from a necessarily retrospective study will be inferential, the . . .