Clinical Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis

Acid-base disturbances are common on the intensive care unit (ICU) and should always prompt a search for the underlying cause (Tables 15.1–15.3). Recently another, although not all that new (1), way of understanding the mechanism behind acid-base disorders has gained popularity. This chapter starts with just a brief discussion of this approach, because there are several excellent overviews in the literature (2)–(6). Open image in new window Table 15.1 Classification of metabolic acidosis according to AG Open image in new window Table 15.2 Pathological classification of causes of metabolic alkalosis Open image in new window Table 15.3 Clinical effects of metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis