Metabolic acidosis
Definition
Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance that results in excessive acidity of the blood.
Alternative Names
Acidosis - metabolic
Causes
Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of many different conditions such as kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and shock.
Swallowing toxic substances such as antifreeze or excessive amounts of aspirin can also lead to metabolic acidosis.
Severe metabolic acidosis may lead to shock or death. In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, chronic condition.
References
Judge BS. Metabolic Acidosis: Differentiating the Causes in the Poisoned Patient. Med Clin North Am. 2005 Nov; 89(6); 1107-1124.
Kraut JA. Metabolic acidosis of CKD: diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment. Am J Kidney Dis. 2005; 45(6): 978-93.
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