title: Anions and the anaesthetist.
abstract: Anions are the negative components of most chemical structures and play many important physiological and pharmacological roles that are of interest to the anaesthetist. Their relevance is reviewed with a particular emphasis on the inorganic anions (halides, bicarbonate, phosphate and sulphate) and the significance and limitations of the anion gap. Organic anions (albumin, lactate) are also discussed, albeit briefly. The suitability of anions for their role in neurotransmission and acid-base balance is outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK. declan_maloney@hotmail.com
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Maloney
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Appadurai
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Vaughan
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology*; D000758:Anesthesia; D000838:Anions / Q000378:metabolism*; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006219:Halogens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010710:Phosphates / Q000502:physiology; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000838:Anions; D001639:Bicarbonates; D006219:Halogens; D010710:Phosphates; D013431:Sulfates