Use of the DeltaAG/DeltaHCO3- ratio in the diagnosis of mixed acid-base disorders

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Sep;18(9):2429-31. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2006121408. Epub 2007 Jul 26.

Abstract

When a strong acid is added to plasma, one expects a quantitative relationship between excess anion gap (DeltaAG) and bicarbonate deficit (DeltaHCO(3)(-)) with the DeltaAG/DeltaHCO(3)(-) ratio close to unity. If true, then this ratio could be used to diagnose mixed acid-base disorders in patients with metabolic acidosis. Although the mean ratio in selected patients is close to unity, this ratio also has a wide range, making its use in individual patients problematic. The ratio should therefore be used cautiously in making a diagnosis of mixed acid-base disorders.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acid-Base Equilibrium*
  • Acid-Base Imbalance / blood*
  • Acid-Base Imbalance / diagnosis*
  • Acid-Base Imbalance / etiology
  • Acidosis / complications*
  • Acids*
  • Bicarbonates / blood*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Acids
  • Bicarbonates