Persistent normal anion gap acidosis in the recovery phase of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with an increased anion gap but its recovery phase may be complicated by hyperchloraemic acidosis with a normal anion gap. We report a case where this complication developed. There was a delayed return to normal acid-balance, possibly aggravated by administration of hyperchloraemic fluids, and the true diagnosis was overlooked. Measurement of the anion gap remains an important part of the assessment of diabetic acid-base disturbances.
Medical College, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
A J
AJ
Sinclair
P M
PM
Bouloux
P G
PG
Sanders
E A
EA
Gale
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology; D000138:Acidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male