Effect of a Respiratory Stimulant on the Ventilatory Response to Carbon Dioxide Inhalation*.

Journal/Book: The American Journal of Medicine VOL. 37 SEPTEMBER 1964. 1964;

Abstract: HALL G. CANTER M.D. and PETER C. LUCHSINGER M.D. Washington D. C. From the Pulmonary Physiology Research Laboratory and Medical Service Veterans Administration Hospital and the Department of Medicine Georgetown University Medical School Washington D. C. Manuscript received October 4 1963. SUMMARY The effect of a respiratory stimulant Emivan on the respiratory response to carbon dioxide inhalation has been studied in emphysema patients with and without hypercapnia as well as in a group of normal subjects. A rebreathing technic which allowed gradual progressive increases in inspired carbon dioxide concentration was used. The ratio of the change in minute ventilation to the change in arterial carbon dioxide tension served as an index of respiratory efficiency. In emphysema patients with hypercapnia the ratio was low and fell further during drug infusion. This was due to a disproportionate increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension and indicates the adverse effect of respiratory stimulation in patients with an increased work of breathing. On the basis of this study respiratory stimulants are not recommended for long-term treatment of impaired ventilation due to chronic pulmonary emphysema. ___MH

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