Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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.
Metabolic acidosis is a serious electrolyte disorder characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.Metabolic acidosis has three main root causes: increased acid production, loss of bicarbonate, and a reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete excess acids. [5]
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 acidaemia, the bicarbonate levels rise, so that they can neutralize the excess acid, while the contrary happens when there is alkalaemia. Thus when an arterial blood gas test reveals, for example, an elevated bicarbonate, the problem has been present for a couple of days, and metabolic compensation took place over a blood acidaemia problem.
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 ...
A 2004 statement by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society (for children) uses slightly different cutoffs, where mild DKA is defined by pH 7.20–7.30 (bicarbonate 10–15 mmol/L), moderate DKA by pH 7.1–7.2 (bicarbonate 5–10) and severe DKA by pH<7.1 (bicarbonate below 5).
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.