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Metabolic acidosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Acidosis - metabolic

Definition of Metabolic acidosis:

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

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.

Insulin production and diabetes

Reviewed last on: 10/24/2007
Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Judge BS. Metabolic acidosis: differentiating the causes in the poisoned patient. Med Clin North Am. 2005; 89(6):1107-1124.

Kraut JA. Metabolic acidosis of CKD: diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment. Am J Kidney Dis. 2005; 45(6): 978-993.

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