Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Aconitase

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2012
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
I really don't understand the concept of Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. The explanation in First Aid is scanty and doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks :)

Members don't see this ad.
 
Very briefly since I'm headed out.

Standard acidosis is usually caused due to the imbalance of H+ and HCO3-. However HCO3- and Cl- are not the only major anions. When we measure the ionic balance with only Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- we come up with a difference, which is labelled the anionic gap.It is largely due to SO4 2- and negatively charged proteins. Any increase in these will cause an acidosis in which this "gap" is increased. E.g. lactic acidosis.
 
Top