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Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base disorder in which the pH of tissue is elevated beyond the normal range (7.35–7.45). This is the result of decreased hydrogen ion concentration, leading to increased bicarbonate (HCO − 3), or alternatively a direct result of increased bicarbonate concentrations.
As kidney function declines, the tubules lose the ability to excrete excess acid, and this results in buffering of acid using serum bicarbonate, as well as bone and muscle stores. [12] There are many causes of acute metabolic acidosis, and thus it is helpful to group them by the presence or absence of a normal anion gap. [13] Increased anion gap
High anion gap metabolic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis characterized by a high anion gap (a medical value based on the concentrations of ions in a patient's serum). Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid , or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.
A high anion gap indicates increased concentrations of unmeasured anions by proxy. Elevated concentrations of unmeasured anions like lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, PO 3− 4, and SO 2− 4, which rise with disease or intoxication, cause loss of HCO − 3 due to bicarbonate's activity as a buffer (without a concurrent increase in ...
Diarrhea, in which large amounts of bicarbonate are excreted; Ingestion of poisons such as methanol, ethylene glycol, or excessive aspirin; The serum anion gap is useful for determining whether a base deficit is caused by addition of acid or loss of bicarbonate. Base deficit with elevated anion gap indicates addition of acid (e.g., ketoacidosis).
In chronic respiratory acidosis, the PaCO 2 is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range, with a normal blood pH (7.35 to 7.45) or near-normal pH secondary to renal compensation and an elevated serum bicarbonate (HCO 3 − >30 mEq/L). [citation needed]
The result can be detected with high levels of lactate and low levels of bicarbonate. This is usually considered the result of illness but also results from strenuous exercise. The effect on pH is moderated by the presence of respiratory compensation. Lactic acidosis is usually the result of tissue hypoxia which is not the same as arterial hypoxia.
In general, the cause of a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is a loss of base, either a gastrointestinal loss or a renal loss [citation needed]. Gastrointestinal loss of bicarbonate (HCO − 3) [citation needed] Severe diarrhea (vomiting will tend to cause hypochloraemic alkalosis) Pancreatic fistula with loss of bicarbonate rich pancreatic fluid