[The factors inducing status asthmaticus and changes in physical examination on admission to intensive care unit].

During the last 10 years 342 patients with status asthmaticus were admitted (mean age 42 years, 63% female) to ICU of Pneumonology Department in Warsaw Medical University. After admission respiratory rate (mean 28/min), heart rate (mean 121 beats/min), blood pressure (mean 139/83 mmHg), pulsus paradoxus (mean 19.9 mmHg) and peak expiratory flow rate (mean 109.3 L/min) were recorded. Arterial blood gas tension was analyzed as well. Mean PaO2 was 65.7 mmHg (range 31.4-128 mmHg) and mean PaCO2 was 39.1 mmHg (range 18-130.9 mmHg). Electrocardiography showed p-pulmonale in 24.4% of cases. 18.9% of the patients had ST-T changes and rotation of heart axis in 9% of cases. X-ray examination performed on admission showed changes characteristic for pneumonia in 15 patients. Status asthmaticus was caused by infection in 57.6%, exercise 6.1%, emotion and stress 3.2%, allergens 2.3% of cases. Underlying factors were unknown in 24.3%.