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is needed to clarify the mechanisms limiting 0 2 extraction and to suggest a rational therapeutic approach to maintaining 0 2 delivery and uptake. Note that prior studies detected limitations of aerobic metabolism as a relationship between 0 2 delivery and Vo 2 . Yet these variables were calculated from measurements which are not independent, a statistical situation known to cause spurious correlations. Future clinical studies and basic research would benefit from determinations of Vo 2 independent from variables used to calculate Qo 2 , or from an index of the limit of aerobic metabolism other than decreasing Vo 2 . Given such improved methodology, it will be possible to quantitate the favorable or adverse effects of disease states (sepsis ARDS, shock) and therapeutic interventions (vasoactive drugs, PEEP, endorphin antagonists, hypothermia, respiratory muscle relaxation) on the limits of aerobic metabolism. P T. Schumacker, Ph.D.;* andL. D. H. Wood, M.D., Ph.D.;f Chicago