Metabolic acidosis: differentiating the causes in the poisoned patient.
Metabolic acidosis may arise from several drugs and toxins through a variety of mechanisms. Differentiating the causes of metabolic acidosis in the poisoned patient is an indispensable skill in clinical practice. Comprehension of toxin-induced metabolic acidosis, combined with a thorough history, physical examination, appropriate use of laboratory tests, and a stepwise approach, should aid the clinician in determining the cause of metabolic acidosis in the poisoned patient. When confronted with such a patient, it is imperative that one administer appropriate antidotal therapy, when necessary, and provide the patient with exceptional supportive care.
Judge
Bryan S
BS
DeVos Children's Hospital Regional Poison Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA. bryan.judge@spectrum-health.org
D000138:Acidosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002021:Buffers; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000503:physiopathology
D000931:Antidotes; D002021:Buffers