Pocket Pediatrics: The Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Handbook of Pediatrics (Pocket Notebook Series), 2 Ed.

RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS

Definition (Pediatr Rev 2004;25:350; Pediatr Rev 2011;32:240)

• Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis result from a 1° increase or decrease in PCO₂

• Resp acidosis = PCO₂ >40 mm Hg, Resp alkalosis = PCO₂ <40 mm Hg)

• Renal compensation takes about 3–5 d

Etiology (Pediatr Rev 2004;25:350; Pediatr Rev 2011;32:240)