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Metabolic acidosis

Definition:

Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance. This causes excessive acidity of the blood.

Alternative Names:

Acidosis - metabolic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of many different conditions such as kidney failure , diabetic ketoacidosis , and shock.

Swallowing toxic substances such as antifreeze or excessive amounts of aspirin can also lead to metabolic acidosis.

Severe metabolic acidosis may lead to shock or death. In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, chronic condition.

References:

Judge BS. Metabolic Acidosis: Differentiating the Causes in the Poisoned Patient. Med Clin North Am . 2005 Nov; 89(6); 1107-1124.

Kraut JA. Metabolic acidosis of CKD: diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment. Am J Kidney Dis . 2005; 45(6): 978-93.

Insulin production and diabetes

Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, CriticalCare & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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