Metabolic alkalosis (MA) may reduce central respiratory drive, cardiac output and worsen oxygenation, leading to a delay in weaning from MV. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is able to correct MA and to stimulate respiratory drive. There is a paucity of studies on the outcome of patients with MA under MV treated with acetazolamide.~The primary objective of our study is to analyze whether the treatment of MA with acetazolamide in intubated patients with COPD or with OHS reduces the length of MV, reduces the length of ICU stay or ICU mortality. Complications associated with acetazolamide treatment will be also analyzed.~Phase III double-blinded trial, with COPD or OHS patients under MV who have pH > 7,35 and bicarbonate > 28 mEq/L. Patients will be randomized to receive 500 mg of acetazolamide or placebo. According to arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) values treatment administration will be evaluated daily until extubation.
The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the treatment of metabolic alkalosis with acetazolamide in intubated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) reduces the length of mechanical ventilation (MV).