Specimen Name Result Units Range

ABG pH 7.66 (7.36-7.44)
PaO2 75 mmHg (70-100)
PaCO2 32 mmHg (35-45)
HCO3- 35 mmol/L (21-26)

70yo male with exacerbation of CAL on IPPV.

What is the acid-base disorder?


Mixed Metabolic & Respiratory Alkalosis
  • pH : alkalosis
  • PCO2 : respiratory alkalosis
    • if only disorder, HCO3- should be ≈ 26-28 mmol/L
  • HCO3- : metabolic alkalosis
    • if only disorder, PCO2 should be ≈ 47 mmHg
  • PO2 + 1.25*PCO2 ≈ 115 : need FIO2 but likely marked rise AaDO2

 

ABG Correction Factors

  1. Metabolic Acidosis:
    • PCO2 : last 2 digits of pH ≥ 7.10
    • HCO3- : for each 10 mmol/L fall → ↓ PCO212 mmHg
  2. Metabolic Alkalosis:
    • PCO2 : last 2 digits of pH ≤ 7.60
    • HCO3- : for each 10 mmol/L rise → ↑ PCO27 mmHg
    • *least well compensated due to hypoxaemia 2° hypoventilation
  3. Respiratory Acidosis:
    • Acute : for each 10 mmHg PCO2 rise → ↑ HCO3-1-2 mmol/L
    • Chronic : for each 10 mmHg PCO2 rise → ↑ HCO3-4 mmol/L
  4. Respiratory Alkalosis:
    • PCO2 : for each 10 mmHg fall → ↓ HCO3-2.5 mmol/L