title: Falsely normal anion gap in severe salicylate poisoning caused by laboratory interference.
abstract: Severe salicylate poisoning is classically associated with an anion gap metabolic acidosis. However, high serum salicylate levels can cause false increase of laboratory chloride results on some analyzers. We present 2 cases of life-threatening salicylate poisoning with an apparently normal anion gap caused by an important laboratory interference. These cases highlight that the diagnosis of severe salicylism must be considered in all patients presenting with metabolic acidosis, even in the absence of an increased anion gap.
authors.affiliation: Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, CO, USA. jeena2010.jj@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jeena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Lavonas
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000506:poisoning*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000506:poisoning*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin