Influence of Fever on Blood Gas : Especially on the Level of PaO_2, PaCO_2 and pH

We studied the change of PaCO_2 and pH between the febrile and the non-febrile state in 7 patients who previously or at present had not a history of pulmonary diseases. The level of blood gas was measured with an IL meter type 213. The pertinent results were as follows : 1) PaO_2 decreased during the febrille state. For each centigrade degree that the body temperature increased, there was a corresponding decrease of 8mmHg without correction in the PaO_2. 2) Hypocapnia was found during the febrile state. 3) Respiratory alkalosis was observed during the febrile state. 4) Hyperventilation syndrome was apt to be a complication in the marked febrile state.