Lab case 295 interpretation

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Question 1: 

PH = 7.51, that is alkamaemia

PCO2 = 30 mmHg, that is low. So, we have respiratory Alkalosis.

Next we calculate the compensation. In acute respiratory alkalosis, we expect the HCO3 level to drop by 2 for every 10 PCO2 below 40. While in chronic respiratory alkalosis we expect the level to drop by 5.

In this case, the expected HCO3 level is 22 (we accept +/- 2 from the calculated valve), and the value we have here fit in the accepted range. So we have pure respiratory Alkalosis.

Other abnormal finding is K level of 2.9 mmol/L. That is moderate hypokalaemia ( level between 3.0 – 2.5 mmol/L.).

Question 2:

For the causes of acute respiratory alkalosis, we use the mnemonic CHAMPS

  • C = CNS diseases
  • H = Hypoxia
  • A = Anxiety
  • M = Mechanical ventilation/ over ventilation
  • P = Progesterone
  • S = Salicylates / sepsis

In this girl, VBG was performed as the patient had temperature of 42 also she was anxious.

 Question 3:

Management is by correcting the cause