Exchange of respiratory gases in chronic uraemia and anaemia, in relation to anaesthesia

Arterial and central venous blood-gas and hydrogen ion status were studied in relation to anaesthesia in five patients with chronic uraemia and associated anaemia. Low central venous oxygen tension values were observed in all these patients, indicating increased oxygen extraction by the tissues. Low central venous to arterial differences in carbon-dioxide tensions were common in these patients, suggesting a high cardiac output.