What is an anion gap metabolic acidosis?

Nephrology. High anion gap metabolic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis characterized by a high anion gap (a medical value based on the concentrations of ions in a patient’s serum). Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.

Why does anion gap increase in metabolic acidosis?

As bicarbonate is consumed in buffering the protons (hydrogen cation) of the acid, the anion of the acid accumulates, thereby preserving electrochemical neutrality. Since the accumulating anion is “unmeasured”, the anion gap increases. Accumulation of lactic acid is probably the most common cause of metabolic acidosis.

What does the anion gap tell us?

What is it used for? The anion gap blood test is used to show whether your blood has an imbalance of electrolytes or too much or not enough acid. Too much acid in the blood is called acidosis. If your blood does not have enough acid, you may have a condition called alkalosis.

How is the anion gap used to diagnose metabolic acidosis?

The anion gap allows for the differentiation of 2 groups of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis with a high AG is associated with the addition of endogenously or exogenously generated acids. Metabolic acidosis with a normal AG is associated with the loss of HCO3 or the failure to excrete H+ from the body.

How to diagnose non-anion gap metabolic acidosis?

diagnosis. 1 Patient has normal anion gap with metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate < 22 mM). 2 Patient has an anion gap metabolic acidosis, but the decrease in bicarbonate is much greater than the elevation in anion gap (indicating the

What is the delta ratio for metabolic acidosis?

The Delta Ratio is a formula that can be used to assess elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis and to evaluate whether mixed acid base disorder (metabolic acidosis) is present. The list of agents that cause high anion gap metabolic acidosis is similar to but broader than the list of agents that cause a serum osmolal gap .

What is the newest mnemonic for metabolic acidosis?

The newest mnemonic was proposed in The Lancet reflecting current causes of anion gap metabolic acidosis: The mnemonic MUDPILES is commonly used to remember the causes of increased anion gap metabolic acidosis.

When was the gold mark proposed for metabolic acidosis?

The newer 2008 mnemonic “GOLD MARK” was proposed in The Lancet reflecting current causes of anion gap metabolic acidosis: The mnemonic MUDPILES is commonly used to remember the causes of increased anion gap metabolic acidosis.