![]() Therefore, hypoxemia due to V/Q mismatch, diffusion limitation, and shunt will have widened gradient, whereas hypoxemia due to hypoventilation would have normal gradient. Pathology of the alveolocapillary unit widens the gradient. The A-a oxygen gradient indicates the integrity of the alveolocapillary membrane and effectiveness of gas exchange. Uworld says this is v/q mismatch but that gets me confused cause why wouldn't a vent defect give v/q mismatch.It is the difference between alveolar oxygen level (PAO 2) and arterial oxygen level (PaO 2) and is represented by the following equation: Alveolar to arterial (A-a) oxygen gradient = PAO 2 – PaO 2. That's why you will see a drop in PaO2 in PE(minor). So this one is tougher but: Let's assume you have a well ventilated alveoli, when there is poor oxygen content, vasculature will constrict and redistribute this blood to other alveolar however it will overwhelm the capacity of extracting oxygen into blood - so adding oxygen will help.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |