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Metabolic acidosis

Authoring team

Metabolic acidosis is defined as an arterial blood pH <7.35 with plasma bicarbonate <22 mmol/L. Respiratory compensation occurs normally immediately, unless there is respiratory pathology.

Metabolic acidosis may occur due to the following reasons:

  • Addition of strong acid that is buffered by and consumes bicarbonate ion.
  • Loss of bicarbonate ion from the body fluids, usually through the GI tract or kidneys
  • Rapid addition to the extracellular fluid of a non-bicarbonate solution.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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