The Time Course of Acid-Base Balance While on FBM Submarine Patrol
Abstract
Measurements of arterialized capillary, and venous pH, PCO2 and PO2 were taken from 15 healthy male subjects during a control period and during days 2, 9, 17, 42 and 56 of a Polaris submarine patrol. Venous plasma concentrations of sodium, chloride, and potassium were determined from frozen samples. Twenty- four hour urine specimens were collected from four of the men in the study. Daily excretion of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate were determined by analysis of frozen samples. The men were on normal diets with no restrictions or control of calcium intake. Despite prolonged exposure to elevated levels of CO2 (.72% to .95% with a mean of .85%), no significant respiratory acidosis was documented. Plasma electrolytes were clinically normal and gave no evidence of acidosis during the study and post recovery period. Urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium were within normal limits. The direct on-board measurement of blood gas and pH values shows little physiological change at present operational levels of CO2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0738809
Entities
People
- Alexander S. Peck Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory