What do we call a condition of low arterial pH, reduced plasma HC03 concentration, and usually compensatory alveolar hyper-ventilation resulting in decreased PCO2?
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis can be due to increased
acid production, decreased acid elimination, or ?
Aspirin overdose - acetylsalicylic acid poisoning
(accidental or otherwise).
This is estimated by subtracting the sum of the Cl and HC03 concentrations from the plasma Na concentration.
Anion Gap
.
[Na]-([Cl]+[HCO3])
What accounts for most of the normal anion gap of 12 ± 4 mEq/L, and why?
Negatively charged plasma proteins such as albumin
Why doesn't hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis result in an increased anion gap?
Because Chloride is part of the formula for the anion gap.
[Na]-([Cl]+[HCO3])=Anion Gap
Why do renal or extrarenal losses of HC03 produce hyperchloremic (non-anion gap) metabolic acidosis?
Kidney retention if chloride – to preserve extra cellular fluids.
