[Arterial blood gas and electrolytes in severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure: analysis of 50 cases].

Objective: To study the characteristics of arterial blood gas and electrolytes in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure.

Method: In 50 patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis, the arterial blood gas and electrolytes were measured after the onset of respiratory failure to define the types of respiratory failure and acid-base imbalance.

Results: Severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure was characterized by development of hypoxia, and the degree of hypercapnia may vary; more extensive tuberculous involvement or longer disease course suggest greater chance of type II respiratory failure. Increment of the anion gap occurred irrespective of the pH value.

Conclusion: Analysis of arterial blood gas and electrolytes may help monitor the progression of severe pulmonary tuberculosis and provides valuable information for implementing treatment and making prognostic decisions.