Overview
Metabolic acidosis is a process in which an external agent or internal process is causing excessive acidity in a way that is metabolic (i.e. non-respiratory).
Pathogenesis
Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis
- Lactic acidosis
- Ketoacidosis - diabetic, alcoholic
- Uraemia (end-stage renal failure)
- Methanol / ethanol / ethylene glycol
- Salicylates
- Cyanide
- Carbon monoxide
Normal Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis
Diagnosis
Blood Gas Findings
- Acidaemia with reduced bicarbonate.
Approach
- Check the anion gap to further distinguish between causes.
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