A patient with chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale was admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of cardiac failure. In attempting to control cardiac failure, intensive diuretic therapy resulted in the development of dehydration, alkalosis, grand mal convulsions and signs of a left hemiparesis. Correction of the electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities resulted in complete neurological recovery.
Mechanisms of production by diuretics and the treatment of non-respiratory alkalosis is discussed.
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