Metabolic Disorders: 1

Abstract

This chapter opens the first of the three chapters on the metabolic disorders, and deals mainly with the approach to metabolic acidosis. It simplifies the various formulae for, Anion Gap, Delta factor, Osmolar gap, and Urinary Anion Gap; which are used to locate the cause of metabolic acidosis. It then explores the various types of metabolic acidosis and provides the aetiology in the mnemonics. The reader gets acquainted with various mnemonics such as, the MUDPILES, GOLDMARK, and FUSED CARES. The explanation on the mechanisms of raised Anion Gap acidosis and Normal Anion Gap Acidosis is given. A few elaborative paragraphs explain on how an Anion Gap can mislead the interpretation. The causes of lactic acidosis are elaborated. The subsequent paragraphs discus the principles of management of metabolic acidosis, and provides two sides of using Sodium bicarbonate. Then it classifies the various types of Renal Tubular Acidoses according to the mechanisms.