Encephalopathy following treatment of chronic pulmonary failure.

An encephalopathy may occur following treatment of chronic pulmonary failure and is manifested by multifocal seizures, mild focal motor signs, and coma. The encephalopathy seems to be a multifactorial illness resulting from cerebral ischemica and hypoxia. The more important factors appear to be cerebral alkalosis, administration of aminophyline, and associated hypotension.