CSIM2.

92 HYPOVENTILATION
1. Also known as respiratory depression occurs when
ventilation is inadequate to perform gas exchange.
2. By definition it causes an increased concentration of
CO2 (hypercapnia) and respiratory acidosis.
3. Alveolar hypoventilation exists by definitios when
arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) increases above the normal
range of 37 to 43mmHg, but inclinically importat
hypoventilation syndromes PaCO2 is generally in the
range of 50-80mmHg.

Acute disorders
-

Which represents life-threatening emergencies.

Chronic hypoventilation
-

Can result from numerous dx entities but in all cases

the underlying mechanism involves a defect in either:
The metabolic respiratory control system
The respiratory neuromuscular system or
The ventilator apparatus

Pathophysiology of hypoventilation in syndromes related to hypoventilation

COPD
1. Inhibition of accessory and intercostal muscle breathing
2. Shallow breathing during REM sleep
3. Increase in upper airway resistance
Obesity
Central breathing apnea
Respiratory neuromuscular disorders
Primary alveolar hypoventilation