Periventricular leukomalacia associated with hypocarbia.

We here report a case of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) associated with hypocarbia which remained even after extubation. The patient had no risk factors affecting PVL development other than hypocarbia. We consider that the irregular tachypnea, which remained after extubation might be attributable to overdriving of ventilation of central neurogenic origin. Our patient's clinical course suggests that sodium bicarbonate drip infusion is a very effective way to alter the set point of respiratory neuronal drive of the patient with central neurogenic hyperventilation.