OXYGEN-INDUCED HYPOVENTILATION

Abstract
Oxygen was breathed for 10 min by 25 patients with various forms of pulmonary insufficiency. The fall in alveolar ventilation correlated well with the initial blood carbon dioxide tension (PCO2), less well with the initial pH, the PO2. and the maximal voluntary ventilation. A resting PCO2 [degree]f"lore than 50 mm. Hg is a reliable indicator of the hazard of 02 hypoventilation.