[Cerebrospinal fluid lactate, acid-base and gases unbalance in severe head injury].

Arterial PaO2 and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate, pH, HCO-3, PCO2, and PO2 levels were determined in 52 patients with severe head injury for 1 approximately 5 days. Decreased arterial PaO2 and CSF metabolic acidosis were the most characteristic changes. Sequential analysis of PaO2 and CSF lactate, acid-base unbalance may be used to judge prognosis, to guide treatment, and to improve therapeutic effects. The etiological factors of CSF acid-base unbalance were discussed.