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de Souza SP, Caldas JR, Lopes MB, Duarte Silveira MA, Coelho FO, Oliveira Queiroz I, Domingues Cury P, Passos RDH. Physico-chemical characterization of acid base disorders in patients with COVID-19: A cohort study. World J Nephrol 2024; 13:92498. [PMID: 38983762 PMCID: PMC11229835 DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v13.i2.92498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acid-base imbalance has been poorly described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Study by the quantitative acid-base approach may be able to account for minor changes in ion distribution that may have been overlooked using traditional acid-base analysis techniques. In a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients, we looked for an association between metabolic acidosis surrogates and worse clinical outcomes, such as mortality, renal dialysis, and length of hospital stay. AIM To describe the acid-base disorders of critically ill COVID-19 patients using Stewart's approach, associating its variables with poor outcomes. METHODS This study pertained to a retrospective cohort comprised of adult patients who experienced an intensive care unit stay exceeding 4 days and who were diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection through a positive polymerase chain reaction analysis of a nasal swab and typical pulmonary involvement observed in chest computed tomography scan. Laboratory and clinical data were obtained from electronic records. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test. Continuous data were presented as median and interquartile range. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons. RESULTS In total, 211 patients were analyzed. The mortality rate was 13.7%. Overall, 149 patients (70.6%) presented with alkalosis, 28 patients (13.3%) had acidosis, and the remaining 34 patients (16.2%) had a normal arterial pondus hydrogenii. Of those presenting with acidosis, most had a low apparent strong ion difference (SID) (20 patients, 9.5%). Within the group with alkalosis, 128 patients (61.0%) had respiratory origin. The non-survivors were older, had more comorbidities, and had higher Charlson's and simplified acute physiology score 3. We did not find severe acid-base imbalance in this population. The analyzed Stewart's variables (effective SID, apparent SID, and strong ion gap and the effect of albumin, lactate, phosphorus, and chloride) were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION Alkalemia is prevalent in COVID-19 patients. Although we did not find an association between acid-base variables and mortality, the use of Stewart's methodology may provide insights into this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pinto de Souza
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
- Department of Nephrology, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública-EBMSP, Salvador, BA 40290000, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Caldas
- Department of Intensive Care, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Barreto Lopes
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
- Department of Nephrology, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Augusto Duarte Silveira
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
- Department of Nephrology, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Oliveira Coelho
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
- Department of Nephrology, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Igor Oliveira Queiroz
- Hospital São Rafael, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Pedro Domingues Cury
- Hospital São Rafael, D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, BA 41253190, Brazil
| | - Rogério da Hora Passos
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP 05652900, Brazil
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Barletta JF, Muir J, Brown J, Dzierba A. A Systematic Approach to Understanding Acid-Base Disorders in the Critically Ill. Ann Pharmacother 2024; 58:65-75. [PMID: 37125739 DOI: 10.1177/10600280231165787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to discuss acid-base physiology, describe the essential steps for interpreting an arterial blood gas and relevant laboratory tests, and review the 4 distinct types of acid-base disorders. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive literature search and resultant bibliography review of PubMed from inception through March 7, 2023. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Relevant English-language articles were extracted and evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS Critically ill patients are prone to significant acid-base disorders that can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Assessing these acid-base abnormalities can be complex because of dynamic aberrations in plasma proteins, electrolytes, extracellular volume, concomitant therapies, and use of mechanical ventilation. This article provides a systematic approach to acid-base abnormalities which is necessary to facilitate prompt identification of acid-base disturbances and prevent untoward morbidity and mortality. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Many acid-base disorders result from medication therapy or are treated with medications. Pharmacists are uniquely poised as the medication experts on the multidisciplinary team to assist with acid-base assessments in the context of pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSION The use of a systematic approach to address acid-base disorders can be performed by all pharmacists to improve pharmacotherapy and optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Barletta
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Justin Muir
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judah Brown
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Dzierba
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Acute Respiratory Failure, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Acid-base disorders are common in the intensive care unit. By utilizing a systematic approach to their diagnosis, it is easy to identify both simple and mixed disturbances. These disorders are divided into four major categories: metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis is subdivided into anion gap and non-gap acidosis. Distinguishing between these is helpful in establishing the cause of the acidosis. Anion gap acidosis, caused by the accumulation of organic anions from sepsis, diabetes, alcohol use, and numerous drugs and toxins, is usually present on admission to the intensive care unit. Lactic acidosis from decreased delivery or utilization of oxygen is associated with increased mortality. This is likely secondary to the disease process, as opposed to the degree of acidemia. Treatment of an anion gap acidosis is aimed at the underlying disease or removal of the toxin. The use of therapy to normalize the pH is controversial. Non-gap acidoses result from disorders of renal tubular H + transport, decreased renal ammonia secretion, gastrointestinal and kidney losses of bicarbonate, dilution of serum bicarbonate from excessive intravenous fluid administration, or addition of hydrochloric acid. Metabolic alkalosis is the most common acid-base disorder found in patients who are critically ill, and most often occurs after admission to the intensive care unit. Its etiology is most often secondary to the aggressive therapeutic interventions used to treat shock, acidemia, volume overload, severe coagulopathy, respiratory failure, and AKI. Treatment consists of volume resuscitation and repletion of potassium deficits. Aggressive lowering of the pH is usually not necessary. Respiratory disorders are caused by either decreased or increased minute ventilation. The use of permissive hypercapnia to prevent barotrauma has become the standard of care. The use of bicarbonate to correct the acidemia is not recommended. In patients at the extreme, the use of extracorporeal therapies to remove CO 2 can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Achanti
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Harold M. Szerlip
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Adrogué HJ, Tucker BM, Madias NE. Clinical Approach to Assessing Acid-Base Status: Physiological vs Stewart. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2022; 29:343-354. [PMID: 36175072 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acid-base status depends on accurate measurement of acid-base variables and their appropriate assessment. Currently, 3 approaches are utilized for assessing acid-base variables. The physiological or traditional approach, pioneered by Henderson and Van Slyke in the early 1900s, considers acids as H+ donors and bases as H+ acceptors. The acid-base status is conceived as resulting from the interaction of net H+ balance with body buffers and relies on the H2CO3/HCO3- buffer pair for its assessment. A second approach, developed by Astrup and Siggaard-Andersen in the late 1950s, is known as the base excess approach. Base excess was introduced as a measure of the metabolic component replacing plasma [HCO3-]. In the late 1970s, Stewart proposed a third approach that bears his name and is also referred to as the physicochemical approach. It postulates that the [H+] of body fluids reflects changes in the dissociation of water induced by the interplay of 3 independent variables-strong ion difference, total concentration of weak acids, and PCO2. Here we focus on the physiological approach and Stewart's approach examining their conceptual framework, practical application, as well as attributes and drawbacks. We conclude with our view about the optimal approach to assessing acid-base status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio J Adrogué
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bryan M Tucker
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Nicolaos E Madias
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA.
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Gopaldas JA. Revisiting Stewart's Approach toward Assessment of Unidentified or Complex Acid-Base Disorders. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022; 26:5-6. [PMID: 35110833 PMCID: PMC8783241 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
How to cite this article: Gopaldas JA. Revisiting Stewart's Approach toward Assessment of Unidentified or Complex Acid-Base Disorders. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(1):5-6.
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Effects of alkaline agents on respiratory characteristics in rabbit models of respiratory failure. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2020; 280:103485. [PMID: 32622903 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2020.103485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of alkaline agents on reducing strong inspiratory effort. Rabbits with hypercapnia or lung injury, induced via repeated lung lavage following injurious ventilation, were treated with Saline, NaHCO3, or Trometamol. In the hypercapnia, minute ventilation and tidal volume were unchanged during NaHCO3 administration; however, one hour after the end of NaHCO3 these parameters decreased (82.1+/-7.8 %, 90.8+/-6.0 % of the baseline, respectively, p < 0.05). Trometamol reduced minute ventilation, tidal volume, and respiratory rate after infusion (59.8+/-19.0 %, 87.0+/-9.2 %, 68.2+/-18.4 % of the baseline, respectively, p < 0.05). Alkaline agents did not cause a large change in the cerebrospinal fluid acid-base balance. In the lung injury model, NaHCO3 and Trometamol had little effect on ventilation. However, Trometamol reduced transpulmonary pressure. Trometamol exerted more inhibitory effects on ventilation than NaHCO3 in the hypercapnia model, and Trometamol reduced the transpulmonary pressure in the lung injury model.
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Agrafiotis M, Papathanassiou M, Karachristos C, Kerezidou E, Tryfon S, Serasli E, Chloros D. A simplified quantitative acid–base approach for patients with acute respiratory diseases. J Clin Monit Comput 2020; 34:21-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s10877-019-00302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ježek F, Kofránek J. Modern and traditional approaches combined into an effective gray-box mathematical model of full-blood acid-base. Theor Biol Med Model 2018; 15:14. [PMID: 30196793 PMCID: PMC6130067 DOI: 10.1186/s12976-018-0086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The acidity of human body fluids, expressed by the pH, is physiologically regulated in a narrow range, which is required for the proper function of cellular metabolism. Acid-base disorders are common especially in intensive care, and the acid-base status is one of the vital clinical signs for the patient management. Because acid-base balance is connected to many bodily processes and regulations, complex mathematical models are needed to get insight into the mixed disorders and to act accordingly. The goal of this study is to develop a full-blood acid-base model, designed to be further integrated into more complex human physiology models. Results We have developed computationally simple and robust full-blood model, yet thorough enough to cover most of the common pathologies. Thanks to its simplicity and usage of Modelica language, it is suitable to be embedded within more elaborate systems. We achieved the simplification by a combination of behavioral Siggaard-Andersen’s traditional approach for erythrocyte modeling and the mechanistic Stewart’s physicochemical approach for plasma modeling. The resulting model is capable of providing variations in arterial pCO2, base excess, strong ion difference, hematocrit, plasma protein, phosphates and hemodilution/hemoconcentration, but insensitive to DPG and CO concentrations. Conclusions This study presents a straightforward unification of Siggaard-Andersen’s and Stewart’s acid-base models. The resulting full-blood acid-base model is designed to be a core part of a complex dynamic whole-body acid-base and gas transfer model. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12976-018-0086-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Ježek
- Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U nemocnice 5, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Kofránek
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U nemocnice 5, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Pfortmueller CA, Uehlinger D, von Haehling S, Schefold JC. Serum chloride levels in critical illness-the hidden story. Intensive Care Med Exp 2018; 6:10. [PMID: 29654387 PMCID: PMC5899079 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-018-0174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Andrea Pfortmueller
- Department of Intensive Care, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 10, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Uehlinger
- Department of Nephrology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 10, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Innovative Clinical Trials Group, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 10, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joerg Christian Schefold
- Department of Intensive Care, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 10, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
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Zingg T, Bhattacharya B, Maerz LL. Metabolic acidosis and the role of unmeasured anions in critical illness and injury. J Surg Res 2017; 224:5-17. [PMID: 29506851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Acid-base disorders are frequently present in critically ill patients. Metabolic acidosis is associated with increased mortality, but it is unclear whether as a marker of the severity of the disease process or as a direct effector. The understanding of the metabolic component of acid-base derangements has evolved over time, and several theories and models for precise quantification and interpretation have been postulated during the last century. Unmeasured anions are the footprints of dissociated fixed acids and may be responsible for a significant component of metabolic acidosis. Their nature, origin, and prognostic value are incompletely understood. This review provides a historical overview of how the understanding of the metabolic component of acid-base disorders has evolved over time and describes the theoretical models and their corresponding tools applicable to clinical practice, with an emphasis on the role of unmeasured anions in general and several specific settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Zingg
- Department of Surgery, Section of General Surgery, Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Bishwajit Bhattacharya
- Department of Surgery, Section of General Surgery, Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Linda L Maerz
- Department of Surgery, Section of General Surgery, Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Muir W. Effect of Intravenously Administered Crystalloid Solutions on Acid-Base Balance in Domestic Animals. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 31:1371-1381. [PMID: 28833697 PMCID: PMC5598900 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravenous fluid therapy can alter plasma acid-base balance. The Stewart approach to acid-base balance is uniquely suited to identify and quantify the effects of the cationic and anionic constituents of crystalloid solutions on plasma pH. The plasma strong ion difference (SID) and weak acid concentrations are similar to those of the administered fluid, more so at higher administration rates and with larger volumes. A crystalloid's in vivo effects on plasma pH are described by 3 general rules: SID > [HCO3-] increases plasma pH (alkalosis); SID < [HCO3-] decreases plasma pH (alkalosis); and SID = [HCO3-] yields no change in plasma pH. The in vitro pH of commercially prepared crystalloid solutions has little to no effect on plasma pH because of their low titratable acidity. Appreciation of IV fluid composition and an understanding of basic physicochemical principles provide therapeutically valuable insights about how and why fluid therapy can produce and correct alterations of plasma acid-base equilibrium. The ideal balanced crystalloid should (1) contain species-specific concentrations of key electrolytes (Na+ , Cl- , K+ , Ca++ , Mg++ ), particularly Na+ and Cl- ; (2) maintain or normalize acid-base balance (provide an appropriate SID); and (3) be isosmotic and isotonic (not induce inappropriate fluid shifts) with normal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Muir
- College of Veterinary MedicineLincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogateTN
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12
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Acid-base disturbances in nephrotic syndrome: analysis using the CO 2/HCO 3 method (traditional Boston model) and the physicochemical method (Stewart model). Clin Exp Nephrol 2017; 21:866-876. [PMID: 28289910 PMCID: PMC5648741 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-017-1387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background The Stewart model for analyzing acid–base disturbances emphasizes serum albumin levels, which are ignored in the traditional Boston model. We compared data derived using the Stewart model to those using the Boston model in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Methods Twenty-nine patients with nephrotic syndrome and six patients without urinary protein or acid–base disturbances provided blood and urine samples for analysis that included routine biochemical and arterial blood gas tests, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone. The total concentration of non-volatile weak acids (ATOT), apparent strong ion difference (SIDa), effective strong ion difference (SIDe), and strong ion gap (SIG) were calculated according to the formulas of Agrafiotis in the Stewart model. Results According to the Boston model, 25 of 29 patients (90%) had alkalemia. Eighteen patients had respiratory alkalosis, 11 had metabolic alkalosis, and 4 had both conditions. Only three patients had hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. The Stewart model demonstrated respiratory alkalosis based on decreased PaCO2, metabolic alkalosis based on decreased ATOT, and metabolic acidosis based on decreased SIDa. We could diagnose metabolic alkalosis or acidosis with a normal anion gap after comparing delta ATOT [(14.09 − measured ATOT) or (11.77 − 2.64 × Alb (g/dL))] and delta SIDa [(42.7 − measured SIDa) or (42.7 − (Na + K − Cl)]). We could also identify metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap using SIG > 7.0 (SIG = 0.9463 × corrected anion gap—8.1956). Conclusions Patients with nephrotic syndrome had primary respiratory alkalosis, decreased ATOT due to hypoalbuminemia (power to metabolic alkalosis), and decreased levels of SIDa (power to metabolic acidosis). We could detect metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap by calculating SIG. The Stewart model in combination with the Boston model facilitates the analysis of complex acid–base disturbances in nephrotic syndrome.
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Van Regenmortel N, Verbrugghe W, Van den Wyngaert T, Jorens PG. Impact of chloride and strong ion difference on ICU and hospital mortality in a mixed intensive care population. Ann Intensive Care 2016; 6:91. [PMID: 27639981 PMCID: PMC5026977 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-016-0193-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal chloride levels are commonly observed in critically ill patients, but their clinical relevance remains a matter of debate. We examined the association between abnormal chloremia and ICU and hospital mortality. To further refine findings and integrate them into the ongoing discussion on the detrimental effects of chloride-rich solutions, the impact of strong ion difference (SID) on the same end points was assessed. METHODS Retrospective cohort study in an academic tertiary intensive care unit on 8830 adult patients who stayed at least 24 h in the ICU was carried out. Patients admitted after elective cardiac surgery were treated as a separate subgroup (n = 2350). Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression. All statistical models were extensively adjusted for confounders, including comorbidity, admission diagnosis, other electrolytes and acid-base parameters. RESULTS Severe hyperchloremia (>110 mmol/L), but not low (SID) was significantly associated with increased mortality in the ICU (odds ratio vs. normochloremia 1.81; 95 % CI 1.32-2.50; p < 0.001) and the hospital (odds ratio 1.49; 95 % CI 1.14-1.96; p = 0.003). Hyperchloremia and low (SID) were encountered in the majority of patients admitted after cardiac surgery (in 86.9 and 47.2 %, respectively), but were not negatively associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS In the ICU, hyperchloremia at admission was associated with negative outcome. On the other hand, decreased strong ion difference did not have an impact on mortality, precluding a simple extrapolation of these findings to the ongoing discussion on the detrimental effects of chloride-rich solutions. This notion is fueled by the finding that hyperchloremia after cardiac surgery, frequently encountered and probably fluid-induced, did not seem to be deleterious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Van Regenmortel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen Campus Stuivenberg, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267, 2060, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Walter Verbrugghe
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe G Jorens
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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