Alkalaemia
July 29th, 2019
Overview
A pH >7.45 is indicative of alkalaemia; this may be due to a primary metabolic or respiratory alkalosis.
Causes of Alkalaemia
- Metabolic alkalosis - bicarbonate excess, GI acid loss, renal acid loss, compartmental shift
- Respiratory alkalosis - hyperventilation
Interpretation
- Elevated HCO₃ ± elevated PaCO₂ - suggests metabolic alkalosis
- Reduced PaCO₂ ± reduced HCO₃ - suggests respiratory alkalosis
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