Blood volume and arterial blood gases in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease during and after acute respiratory failure.

The blood volume and arterial blood gases of 18 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease were studied over a period of 1/2 to 5 years, including 35 acute exacerbations of the lung disease. Treatment during exacerbation was directed at infection, bronchial obstruction and hypervolemia. Long-term diuretic therapy was instituted during the follow-up period.