Primary Article
Bacterial Endocarditis in Narcotic Addicts Analysis of Arterial Blood Gases
Abstract
ABSTRACT:We studied the arterial blood gas determinations done on the first hospital day in 14 narcotic addicts with bacterial endocarditis (group 1) and six addicts with other medical complications of narcotic addiction (group 2). The arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) was 67.3 ± 3.3 mm Hg (SEM) in group 1, and 75.0 ± 6.4 mm Hg in group 2, with no statistically significant difference (P < .20) between the groups. The arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2), 27.8 ± 1.7 mm Hg, in group 1 was significantly lower (P < .005) than that of group 2, 40.1 ± 3.7 mm Hg. The arterial blood pH, 7.47 ± 0.01 units, in group 1 was significantly higher (P < .025) than that of group 2, 7.36 ± 0.06 pH units. Abnormal blood gas values were found in each of the patients in group 1 with a normal admission chest roentgenogram. Arterial blood gas determinations may be useful in the initial examination of ill narcotic addicts.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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