Hyponatremia
Article Abstract:
Hyponatremia is the medical term for abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood. This is often caused by excess water in the body. Although this can be caused by drinking too much water, it is most often caused by conditions that prevent excess water from being excreted by the kidneys. Excessive blood sugar levels can cause hyponatremia. Other causes include thiazide therapy, surgery, some mental illnesses, prostate surgery, and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Treatments for hyponatremia are described.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Assessing acid-base status in circulatory failure: differences between arterial and central venous blood
Article Abstract:
Carbon dioxide produced as a result of food metabolism circulates in the blood to the lungs where it is removed. The kidneys control the amount of bicarbonate circulating in the blood. These two organs function together to maintain the blood at a certain pH (measure of acidity and alkalinity; acid-base values). The amount of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and bicarbonate and the pH can be measured as blood gases. In heart and lung diseases, the measurement of blood gases is used to assess the effectiveness of lung gas exchange and acid-base balance. Measurement of central venous blood is less invasive and easier to determine than that of arterial blood. To calculate the differences in acid-base values in arterial and venous blood, and the effect breathing and resuscitation have on these differences, three groups were compared: patients with normal heart output, moderately impaired output and cardiac arrest. Arterial and venous blood samples revealed that critically ill patients with circulatory failure required both types of measurements for accurate assessment of acid-base status. Venous blood values provided better evaluations of the pH and oxygen perfusion in tissues and arterial sampling was a better indicator of lung gas exchange.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1989
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Management of life-threatening acid-base disorders, part 2
Article Abstract:
Metabolic and respiratory problems can cause a decrease in the acidity of the blood and associated clinical symptoms of alkalosis, and may result in vascular constriction, heart rhythm problems, and depressed breathing. Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by vomiting or other loss of stomach acid, diuretic drugs and other conditions that make the blood more alkaline. Treatment should first eliminate the cause, and may include acid replacement. Respiratory alkalosis is the result of decreased carbon dioxide in the blood from inadequate breathing and other conditions.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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