Ages and Stages

Infants commonly have problems with acid-base imbalances, particularly acidosis. Because of low residual lung volume, any alteration in respiration can rapidly and dramatically change PaCO₂, leading to acidosis.

Infants also have a high metabolic rate, which yields large amounts of metabolic wastes and acids that must be excreted by the kidneys. Along with their immature buffer system, these age-related differences leave infants prone to acidosis.