Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hyogo Children’s Hospital, Kobe, Department of Pediatrics, Saiseikai Hyougoken Hospital, Kobe, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe and Department of Nephrology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Toky...

In a study using a heated chamber for induction of experimental febrile seizures (eFS) in rat pups, ictal activity was shown to be precipitated by a respiratory alkalosis (Schuchmann et al., 2006). In sharp contrast to this, in a recent review Dubé et al., (2007) suggest that the respiratory alkalosis is model specific, and that no increase in respiratory rate is observed in the widely used "ha...

Prolonged abnormal vomiting causes metabolic alkalosis. Many seabirds are known to feed their chicks by regurgitation. We hypothesized that metabolic alkalosis occurs in seabirds even under natural conditions during the breeding season. Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae feed their chicks by regurgitating food for 50-60 d until the chicks fledge. In this study, the concentrations of Cl(-), HCO(...

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) results in electrolyte disturbances due to persistent vomiting. Though the significance of hyperventilation in metabolic acidosis is established, debate continues regarding hypoventilation in metabolic alkalosis. We present six cases of respiratory depression requiring ICU admission in infants with hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis due...

The Influence of Nonrespiratory Alkalosis on Cerebral Blood Flow in Cats • Cerebral blood flow was measured with the Xenon clearance method during short-lasting (20 minutes) and more prolonged (90 minutes) infusions of Na2CO3 solutions in anesthetized cats under controlled ventilation. The infusion protocol was regulated so as to produce a given increase in the plasma [HCOi] in the first 15 min...

BACKGROUND During evolution from novice to expert, knowledge structure develops into an abridged network organized around pathophysiological concepts. The objectives of this study were to examine the change in knowledge structure in medical students in one year and to investigate the association between the use of a conceptual framework (diagnostic scheme) and long-term knowledge structure. M...

We present an unusual case of extreme metabolic alkalosis resulting from severe hypokalaemia caused by unmonitored fludrocortisone therapy. Biochemical aspects of the disorder are discussed, as is the successful treatment with diuretics and potassium replacement. Some dangers of this therapy and necessary precautions are emphasized.