• MATHIYALAGAN.M
• DAISY VINCENT

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM A study to assess the critical role of end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) in early detection of metabolic acidosis among mechanically ventilated patients admitted in selected hospital, Bangalore. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Metabolic acidosis is a serious condition characterized by an imbalance in the body's pH levels due to excessive production of acidic substances or the inability of the kidneys to excrete acid effectively. Among mechanically ventilated patients, the early detection of metabolic acidosis is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels, measured through capnography, have emerged as a valuable tool in assessing ventilation and acid-base balance. ETCO2 reflects the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) at the end of expiration and can provide insights into pulmonary and metabolic function. This study aimed to assess the critical role of ETCO2 in the early detection of metabolic acidosis among mechanically ventilated patients admitted to selected hospitals in Bangalore. By monitoring ETCO2 levels, healthcare professionals can potentially identify changes indicative of metabolic acidosis promptly, allowing for timely adjustments in treatment strategies such as fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, and ventilator management. Understanding the relationship between ETCO2 levels and metabolic acidosis could lead to the development of more effective protocols for monitoring and managing critically ill patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications associated with untreated metabolic acidosis. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 1. To find the correlation between ETCO2 value and HCO3 value in early detection of metabolic acidosis. 2. To determine the association of ETCO2 value and HCO3 value among patients on mechanical ventilator and selected baseline variables and clinical variables. METHODS The research design for this study was observational, employing a purposive sampling technique to select the samples. The required sample size was determined through power analysis, resulting in the selection of 60 participants who met the sampling criteria. The study utilized two sections in its tool: Section 1 comprised baseline variables, clinical variables, and laboratory findings, while Section 2 included ABG parameters and ETCO2 values. The data were tabulated and analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS OF THE STUDY The study aimed to explore an alternative, non-invasive method for diagnosing metabolic acidosis in ICU patients, considering the drawbacks of arterial blood sampling. 60 patients had their ETCO2 levels measured using capnography simultaneously with arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. The ABG results were considered the gold standard for comparison. It was found that capnography could accurately measure ETCO2 levels and correlate them with blood bicarbonate levels, a key indicator of acidosis. Specifically, blood bicarbonate levels below 22 MEq/L were indicative of acidosis. The study suggests that capnography could serve as a reliable method for assessing both ETCO2 and bicarbonate levels in patients with metabolic acidosis, offering a less invasive, more efficient alternative to traditional ABG analysis. This finding could potentially streamline diagnosis and improve patient comfort in ICU settings. CONCLUSION “The ETCO2 can be used as a primary indicator to detect the metabolic acidosis in patient on mechanical ventilation, admitted in Intensive Care Unit’.

"A study to assess the critical role of end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) in early detection of metabolic acidosis among mechanically ventilated patients admitted in selected hospital, Bangalore.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no.d322-d340, February-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502338.pdf

"A study to assess the critical role of end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) in early detection of metabolic acidosis among mechanically ventilated patients admitted in selected hospital, Bangalore.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no. ppd322-d340, February-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502338.pdf