metabolic-alkalosis

Workup metabolic alkalosis

  • Check volume status and UCl
  • UCl <25 mEq/L → saline responsive
  • UCl >40 mEq/L → saline resistant (unless currently receiving diuretics)
  • (UNa unreliable determinant of volume status in alkalemia → ↑ HCO3- excretion → ↑ Na excretion; negatively charged HCO3- w/ Na+ maintaining electrical neutrality)
  • If UCl >40 and volume replete, ✓ UK; UK <20 laxative abuse; UK >30, ✓ blood pressure

Figure 4-3 Approach to metabolic alkalosis

Treatment of severe metabolic alkalosis (pH >7.6) (JASN 2012;23:204)

  • If saline responsive: resuscitate with Cl-rich solution (NS), replete K, d/c diuretics cardiopulmonary disease precludes hydration, can use KCl, acetazolamide, HCl
  • hyperaldosteronism: treat underlying condition, K-sparing diuretic, resect adenoma if 1o