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VOLUME 13 , ISSUE 4 ( December, 2009 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Extreme metabolic alkalosis in intensive care

Swagata Tripathy

Keywords : Extreme metabolic alkalosis, respiratory compensation, treatment

Citation Information : Tripathy S. Extreme metabolic alkalosis in intensive care. Indian J Crit Care Med 2009; 13 (4):217-220.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.60175

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-10-2012

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2009; The Author(s).


Abstract

Metabolic alkalosis is a commonly seen imbalance in the intensive care unit (ICU). Extreme metabolic alkalemia, however, is less common. A pH greater than 7.65 may carry a high risk of mortality (up to 80%). We discuss the entity of life threatening metabolic alkalemia by means of two illustrative cases - both with a pH greater than 7.65 on presentation. The cause, modalities of managing and complications of this condition is discussed from the point of view of both the traditional method of Henderson and Hasselbalch and the mathematical model based on physiochemical model described by Stewart. Special mention to the pitfalls in managing patients of metabolic alkalosis with concomitant renal compromise is made.


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