Oxyhemoglobin affinity in bronchial asthma: chronic stable state, acute, and status asthmaticus.

U onditions associ with hypoxia a r g i shift of the wholeood oxyhemoglobin dissoc a curve develops and is postulated to reflect an adaptive mechanism resulting in an increased unloading of oxygen . The intraerythrocytic organophosphate 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3DPG) appears to play a causal role in this relationship .' -' Previous reports in a variety of pulmonary disorders, such as stable state chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and chronic, stable pulmonary granulomatosis and fibrosis have supported this shift in oxyhemoglobin affinity . 1,2,4-6 The present study was designed to investigate oxygenhemoglobin affinity in conjunction with 2,3-DPG measurements during chronic stable bronchial asthma and to contrast further these observations during acute episodes, including status asthmaticus .