The relationship between the F.E.V.1 as an index of airways obstruction and Pco2 as an index of hypoventilation was investigated in 13 patients with chronic obstructive airways disease. Patients who had a normal Pco2 despite severe airways obstruction retained relatively normal sensitivity to CO2 as assessed by their “inspiratory mechanical work rate” response to CO2. Others showed a raised Pco2 in the presence of lesser degrees of airways obstruction and had reduced sensitivity to CO2.
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