Acid-Base Diagnosis & Clinical Approach with Dr. Bill Bortcosh--Part 2
Nov 4, 2024
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Dr. Bill Bortcosh, a pediatric critical care expert, dives deep into the acid-base status evaluation essential for patient care. He discusses the practical application of the anion gap and how it serves as a vital screening tool. The conversation explores the nuances of fluid management, focusing on the effects of normal saline versus Plasmalite on chloride levels. Bortcosh also addresses the complexities of diagnosing metabolic acidosis, including renal tubular acidosis, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in navigating these challenges.
Accurate evaluation of acid-base disturbances, including non-anion gap metabolic acidosis and renal tubular acidosis, is critical for effective acute patient management.
Understanding the relationship between chloride loss and metabolic alkalosis helps clinicians prevent complications, particularly during diuretic therapy.
Deep dives
Understanding Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis
Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis refers to a condition where bicarbonate is lost due to various reasons, rather than an acid being added to the system. This occurs when the body fails to maintain adequate bicarbonate levels, often due to excessive loss through urine or stool. Common causes include hyperchloremia, which can result from the overadministration of saline solutions, prompting the body to excrete bicarbonate to balance chloride levels. Another cause is the use of diuretics like acetazolamide, which inhibits bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to its increased excretion.
Identifying and Evaluating Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA)
Renal tubular acidosis is characterized by the kidneys' inability to adequately reclaim bicarbonate from urine, resulting in a high bicarbonate loss. A quick assessment can be made using the urine anion gap, where elevated urine sodium and potassium levels indicate excessive bicarbonate excretion, confirming RTA. This condition can be caused by various medications or intrinsic renal diseases. Recognizing RTA is essential in differentiating between other forms of acidosis and directing appropriate management.
Metabolic Alkalosis and Its Causes
Metabolic alkalosis typically results from the loss of chloride, leading to the retention of bicarbonate to maintain neutrality within the body. Common causes include the use of diuretics, which can lead to chloride depletion, and vomiting, which results in the loss of acidic gastric contents. Understanding how chloride loss correlates with elevated bicarbonate levels aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating alkalosis effectively. In practice, closely monitoring electrolyte levels during diuretic therapy can help prevent iatrogenic complications related to metabolic alkalosis.
Approach to Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis arises from conditions that reduce ventilation, while respiratory alkalosis is often caused by hyperventilation, typically due to anxiety or stress. Each disorder presents distinctive respiratory patterns, making it crucial for clinicians to assess ventilation status in patients. Evaluating blood gases can help differentiate these disorders, allowing for timely interventions. The understanding of these respiratory disturbances is essential in critical care, where rapid assessment and action can significantly influence patient outcomes.
Dr. Bill Bortcosh received his Doctorate of Medicine from Albany Medical School, NY. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School followed by pediatric critical care fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learning Objectives:
By the end of this podcast series, listeners should be able to discuss:
Why critical evaluation of a patient’s acid-base status can be useful and practical in the acute care setting
The basic pathophysiology of each acid-base disturbance
The definition of an anion gap and how to use it as a screening tool
The use of Winter’s formula to identify a respiratory acidosis or alkalosis
The utility of the delta-delta to identify additional metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
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Thank you for listening to this episode of PedsCrit. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. Check out http://www.pedscrit.comfor detailed show notes. And visit @critpeds on twitter and @pedscrit on instagram for real time show updates.
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