[Changes in paO2 and of acid-base equilibrium of the arterial blood of hypoxemic polyglobulic patients subjected to acute blood depletion].

Partial respiratory gas tension and acid-base equilibrium patterns were examined in polyglobulic patients subjected to acute blood depletion. The increase in oxyhaemoglobin concentration and fall in haematocrit value already described were confirmed. It was also noted that: 1) pH increased significantly in all subjects; 2) urinary osmolarity increased in all subjects; 3) blood sodium and potassium concentration increased significantly in 14 patients (1st group), but fell in the 2nd group (8 subjects). It is suggested, therefore, that acute blood depletion changes renal reabsorption of the main electrolytes, i.e. increased values in cases where a fall in glomerular arteriolar pressure leads to increased renal medullary osmolarity, and decreased values where a fall in circulation leads to increased arteriolar pressure, hyperosmolarity of the medulla, and retainment of liquids as opposed to electrolytes.