Differential diagnosis of metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis is defined as an acidemia created by one of three mechanisms: increased production of acids, decreased excretion of acids, or loss of alkali. This article addresses the identification and correct diagnosis of metabolic acidosis by reviewing important historical factors, pathophysiological principles, clinical presentation,and laboratory findings accompanying common high and normal anion gap metabolic acidoses in emergency department patients.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, 2601 East Roosevelt Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA. jennifercasaletto@hotmail.com
Jennifer J
JJ
Casaletto
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology*; D000138:Acidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male