Definition

• Acid–base disorder manifested by acidosis (arterial pH < 7.36) and decreased serum bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^–) level
  
• Commonly caused by:
  • Increase in endogenous acid production (such as lactate and ketoacids)
  • Loss of bicarbonate (as in diarrhea)
  • Accumulation of endogenous acids (as in renal failure)
• 2 major categories of clinical metabolic acidosis
  • High-anion-gap (AG) acidosis (> 12 mmol/L)
  • Normal-AG, or hyperchloremic, acidosis (6–12 mmol/L)
    • The AG is calculated as Na⁺ – [Cl^– + HCO₃ ^–].

The excerpt above is an example of the information available at Harrison's Practice. For full access, please subscribe today! Subscribers, log into your account below.

Login User Name: Password: Forgot your password? Remember Me

About Harrison's Practice Harrison's Practice delivers practical, concise answers to your clinical questions in an innovative and easy-to-navigate format. Available anytime, anywhere on Web, Web Wireless, and PDA, all for one subscription rate! To see a complete, unabridged topic click on any of the Free Topics below: Community-Acquired Pneumonia Cough Status Epilepticus Hypoglycemia Pancreatic Cancer Learn more