Most cases of metabolic acidosis present with non-specific signs and symptoms. These symptomatology and signs are most commonly seen among patients with established metabolic acidosis:

• Hyperventilation: The respiratory centers are stimulated to cause hyperventilation to help eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood during acidotic states. 
• Dyspnea: Breathing will be too fast and shallow impairing adequate oxygen exchange in the lungs.
• Chest pain: The acidic plasma triggers the release of some cytokines that may cause angina and temporary coronary vasospasm.
• Palpitation: The compensatory tachycardia will be felt as palpitation.
• Neurologic signs: Headache and confusion are common findings when the cerebrospinal fluid becomes acidic.
• Fatigue and weakness: Sodium channels are impaired during metabolic acidosis causing an essential hyponatremia in the extracellular space lowering the action potential in muscles.
• Nausea and vomiting: The toxic state of metabolic acidosis is exemplified as nausea and vomiting among children.
• Bone pains: The acidotic state causes vasospasm of the smaller arterioles that supply the bones presenting as sharp bone pains. Chronic calcium depletion with the acidemic state can also cause untimely osteoporosis among patients. 

• Falling

  […] a) Both will be lower than normal. b) The pH will rise and PCO 2 will fall. c) Both will be higher than normal due to the physical exertion. d) The pH will fall and PCO 2 will rise Question 4 In acid base balance the normal plasma PCO2 and bicarbonate [global.oup.com]

  Home | CCC | Metabolic Acidosis OVERVIEW a metabolic acidosis is an abnormal primary process or condition leading to an increase in fixed acids in the blood -> resulting in a fall in arterial plasma bicarbonate CAUSES pathophysiological mechanism: (i) [litfl.com]

  In general, with a pure or uncompensated metabolic acidosis, every 10 mEq/L fall in bicarbonate (HCO 3 ) results in an average pH fall of 0.15. Neonates have an average arterial pH of 7.37 (range of 7.35–7.45). [mhmedical.com]

  which in this case assumes a negative value) or by a fall in the concentration of bicarbonate in the plasma or both. [annals.org]

  […] by, Last updated June 7, 2012 Reviewed and revised 6/5/2012 OVERVIEW a metabolic acidosis is an abnormal primary process or condition leading to an increase in fixed acids in the blood -> resulting in a fall in arterial plasma bicarbonate CAUSES pathophysiological [lifeinthefastlane.com]

• Swelling

  Slowed growth in children Inflammation (swelling, redness, and pain) Amyloid accumulation, which is a build-up of protein in your body that can hurt your joints, organs and brain. [kidneyfund.org]

  Intraoperatively, moderate brain swelling developed, which necessitated postoperative mechanical ventilation. [anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org]

• Kussmaul Respiration

  Kussmaul’s respirations B. Glucose 110 C. Hypoventilation D. Neuro-excitability The answer is A: Kussmaul’s respirations 10. A patient has the following arterial blood gases: PaCO2 33, HCO3 15, pH 7.23. Which condition below is presenting? A. [registerednursern.com]

  Infants will try to correct metabolic acidosis by a reflex respiratory alkalosis using hyperventilation and Kussmaul respirations. [mhmedical.com]

  EFFECTS Respiratory Effects hyperventilation (Kussmaul respirations) – this is the compensatory response shift of oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve (ODC) to the right – due to the acidosis occurs rapidly decreased 2,3 DPG levels in red cells (shifting [litfl.com]

  Kussmaul's respiration may be noted where there is deep, slowly rhythmic breathing that increases the minute tidal volume. Children with chronic metabolic acidosis may have growth restriction and show signs of rickets. [patient.info]

• Pneumonia

  Chest X-ray revealed pneumonia and laboratory data revealed signs of infection, dehydration and normoglycaemic metabolic acidosis with elevated P-3-hydroxybutyrate. [pure.au.dk]

  Complications in the 6-month post-operative period were adjudicated by an independent multidisciplinary committee of trauma physicians and included infection, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, renal failure, multiorgan failure, pneumonia [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] respiratory alkalosis CNS stimulation: fever, pain, fear, anxiety, CVA, cerebral edema, brain trauma, brain tumor, CNS infection Hypoxemia or hypoxia: lung disease, profound anemia, low FiO2 Stimulation of chest receptors: pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, pneumonia [thoracic.org]

  Combined conditions at admission were pneumonia(7/22), sepsis(6/22), acute renal failure(5/22), rhabdomyolysis(4/22), GI hemorrhage(2/22), acute pancreatitis(2/22), ARDS (2/22), and acute myocardial infarction( 1/22). [dspace.ewha.ac.kr]

  Respiratory acidosis develops when the lungs do not expel carbon dioxide adequately (inadequate ventilation), a problem that can occur in disorders that severely affect the lungs (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pneumonia, heart [msdmanuals.com]

• Tachypnea

  During the initial examination by the physician at our hospital, the patient presented with tachypnea, a precordinal burning sensation, nausea and metabolic acidosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The resulting tachypnea and hyperpnea reduces the PaCO 2 in an attempt to increase the pH back toward normal. [emedicine.com]

  Hyperventilation (tachypnea) B. Hypoventilation (bradypnea) C. Increased potassium level (hyperkalemia) D. Constipation 5. What of the following is NOT a cause of metabolic alkalosis? * A. Hyperaldosteronism B. Usage of Diamox C. [registerednursern.com]

  Tachycardia, tachypnea (with severe lactic acidosis), hypotension with symptoms similar to septic shock. Specific laboratory tests are to help identify the severity and presence of multiorgan involvement. [clinicaladvisor.com]

  Tachypnea and hyperventilation worsened during the ensuing 12 h. Blood gas analysis showed severe metabolic acidosis resulting in hypocapnia and a normal pH ( table 1 ). [anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org]

• Hyperpnea

  The most characteristic sign is hyperpnea (long, deep breaths at a normal rate), reflecting a compensatory increase in alveolar ventilation; this hyperpnea is not accompanied by a feeling of dyspnea. [merckmanuals.com]

  The resulting tachypnea and hyperpnea reduces the PaCO 2 in an attempt to increase the pH back toward normal. [emedicine.com]

• Abnormal Breathing

  Other symptoms for lactic acidosis include: Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Lethargy Abnormal breathing Low blood pressure Irregular heart rhythm Causes of Lactic Acidosis Lactic Acidosis is caused if a person reaches the anaerobic threshold or lactate [acidalkalinediet.net]

• Diarrhea

  Diarrhea (# 1 cause) In the case of diarrhea, as you get increasing amount of dehydration, excess lactate is produced (because of insufficient oxygen delivery). [nimbot.com]

  Persistent secretory diarrhea was suspected. Stool electrolytes analyses showed a high NaCl content typical of secretory diarrhea and intestinal biopsy with electron microscopy was diagnostic of MID. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  All diarrhea types result in a non-gap metabolic acidosis except for congenital chloridorrhea which causes a metabolic alkalosis. [pulmonologyadvisor.com]

  Many GI secretions are rich in HCO 3 − (eg, biliary, pancreatic, and intestinal fluids); loss due to diarrhea, tube drainage, or fistulas can cause acidosis. [merckmanuals.com]

  Paraldehyde toxicity High Acetic acid Salicylate toxicity High Salicylate, organic Starvation Normal Beta-hydroxybutyric acid Diethylene glycol High 2-hydroxethoxyacetic acid Normal anion gap acidosis (inorganic acidosis) Gastrointestinal fluid loss Severe diarrhea [arupconsult.com]

• Vomiting

  Laboratory examinations reveal the presence of significant metabolic alkalosis despite the severe vomiting of the patient. Hypochloremic alkalosis would be expected to be present in this patient. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Nausea and vomiting: The toxic state of metabolic acidosis is exemplified as nausea and vomiting among children. Bone pains: The acidotic state causes vasospasm of the smaller arterioles that supply the bones presenting as sharp bone pains. [symptoma.com]

  2 ↓ in HCO 3 Sepsis Salicylate toxicity Renal failure with CHF or pneumonia Advanced liver disease Metabolic acidosis with metabolic alkalosis pH in normal range HCO 3 - normal Uremia or ketoacidosis with vomiting, NG suction, diuretics, etc. [thoracic.org]

  […] acidosis, hyperglycaemia, other sign of BSI such as apathy mt Rapport dwar it-Trattat ta' Liżbona [#/#(INI)]- Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Kostituzzjonali en Typical adverse reactions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as loss of appetite, vomiting [mt.glosbe.com]

• Nausea

  Approximately 60 mL (20 mL/day) was used and after the third application he developed agitation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, tachycardia, and metabolic acidosis. His clinical symptoms and metabolic acidosis normalized within 20 hours. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Nausea and vomiting: The toxic state of metabolic acidosis is exemplified as nausea and vomiting among children. Bone pains: The acidotic state causes vasospasm of the smaller arterioles that supply the bones presenting as sharp bone pains. [symptoma.com]

• Hypotension

  However, a change in consciousness and hypotension subsequently developed 6h later, combined with severe metabolic acidosis (pH7.16), high anion gap (25.5), and high osmolal gap (83). A presumed diagnosis of methanol intoxication was suspected. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Metabolic acidosis due to paraldehyde overdose is exceedingly rare Iron and isoniazid are just two of many drugs and toxins that cause hypotension and lactic acidosis (isoniazid can also generate a component of ketoacidosis). [emergencymedicinecases.com]

  More severe uncompensated acidosis can decrease peripheral vascular resistance and cardiac ventricular function, leading to hypotension, pulmonary edema, and tissue hypoxia, which will further complicate the picture by increasing lactate production because [mhmedical.com]

• Tachycardia

  Commonest signs were tachycardia (100%) and moaning (73%). At presentation 52% were in cardiogenic shock. Response to thiamine was dramatic with moaning and irritability subsiding in two hours and tachycardia in four hours. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Initial evaluation revealed tachycardia (111/min,) mild hypothermia (95.5 o F,) and a depressed level of consciousness with non-focal neurological examination. Blood glucose was 362 mg/dL. [thepoisonreview.com]

  Tachycardia is the most common cardiovascular effect seen with a mild metabolic acidosis. As the serum pH continues to fall below 7.2, myocardial depression occurs because hydrogen ions act as a negative inotrope and peripheral vasodilation occurs. [emedicine.com]

  # Ħin li fih tkompliet is-seduta en at least two of: temperature > 38 °C or < 36,5 °C or temperature instability, tachycardia or bradycardia, apnoea, extended capillary refilling time (CRT), metabolic acidosis, hyperglycaemia, other sign of BSI [mt.glosbe.com]

• Hunger

  By JEN GUNTER Well Photo Credit Illustration by Celia Jacobs Outrunning Hunger Intense exercise may change the way certain neurons influence our appetite and metabolism. [nytimes.com]

• Kidney Failure

  Besides kidney failure, use of phosphate containing enemas, rhabdomyolysis, and tumor lysis syndrome are common causes of severe hyperphosphatemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Sign in Published on May 11, 2012 A lecture on the differential diagnosis of a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, focusing on renal tubular acidosis, but also covering diarrhea, saline infusion, hyperkalemia, kidney failure, and ureteral diversion [youtube.com]

  The buildup of acid in the body due to kidney disease or kidney failure is called metabolic acidosis. [kidney.org]

  Similarly, if metabolic acidosis is caused by lactic acid build-up, or even kidney failure, treating those causes will in turn help treat metabolic acidosis. [belmarrahealth.com]

• Renal Insufficiency

  Predisposing factors include: female gender, poor nutrition and some degree of renal insufficiency. [acutecaretesting.org]

  They are associated with metabolic disorders related to renal insufficiency, among which metabolic acidosis is a major contributor. Metabolic acidosis is a well recognized problem in renal transplant patients. [clinicaltrials.gov]

• Uremia

  Description English: Causes of high anion-gap metabolic acidosis Mnemonic "CAT MUDPILES": Carbon monoxide, Cyanide, Congenital heart failure Aminoglycosides Teophylline, Toluene (Glue-sniffing) Methanol Uremia Diabetic ketoacidosis, Alcoholic ketoacidosis [commons.wikimedia.org]

  (DKA,alcoholic ketoacidosis, starvation) U = Uremia (Renal Failure) L =Lactic acidosis T = Toxins (Ethylene glycol, methanol, paraldehyde, salicylate) Because, negatively charged plasma proteins account for the normal anion gap, the normal values should [web.archive.org]

  Common causes of acute metabolic acidosis were investigated and systematically ruled out, including lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, drug-induced ketoacidosis, ingestion of toxic alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethylene glycol), uremia, and acute renal [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, excess ACTH, exogenous steroids, hyperreninemia, severe hypokalemia, renal artery stenosis, bicarbonate administration Table 5 : Selected etiologies of metabolic acidosis Elevated anion gap: Methanol intoxication Uremia [thoracic.org]

  […] salicylate toxicity) Hyperventilation while on mechanical ventilation High anion gap metabolic acidosis Lactic acidosis: severe tissue hypoxia, liver failure, metformin use Ketoacidosis: diabetes mellitus, starvation, alcoholism Renal insufficiency, uremia [amboss.com]

• Renal Injury

  Among anti tubercular drugs, rifampicin, streptomycin and capreomycin are commonly implicated in renal injury. Here we report the first case of metabolic acidosis and renal injury caused by isoniazid at normal prescribed dose. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Increased ammoniagenesis as a determinant of progressive renal injury. Am J Kidney Dis 1991;17:654-7. [Pubmed] [31] Wesson DE, Simoni J. [revistanefrologia.com]

• Confusion

  The first paper focuses on two similar case histories including that of a 63-year-old woman with mild chronic kidney disease admitted to intensive care following a 9-day history of unexplained lethargy, breathlessness and confusion. [acutecaretesting.org]

  You become weak or confused. You cannot be woken easily. Care Agreement You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. [drugs.com]

  People with respiratory acidosis often have headache and confusion, and breathing may appear shallow, slow, or both. Tests on blood samples typically show pH below the normal range. Doctors treat the cause of the acidosis. [msdmanuals.com]

• Lethargy

  The first paper focuses on two similar case histories including that of a 63-year-old woman with mild chronic kidney disease admitted to intensive care following a 9-day history of unexplained lethargy, breathlessness and confusion. [acutecaretesting.org]

  Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, usually characterised by repetitive vomiting and diarrhoea, lethargy, failure to thrive until to dehydration with hypotension and shock. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms and signs in severe cases include nausea and vomiting, lethargy, and hyperpnea. Diagnosis is clinical and with ABG and serum electrolyte measurement. The cause is treated; IV sodium bicarbonate may be indicated when pH is very low. [msdmanuals.com]

  Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations can include headache, lethargy, confusion, or any change in mental status secondary to a decrease in intracerebral pH. [emedicine.com]

• Stupor

  We report a 33 year-old woman addicted to chronic unspecified solvents abuse with stupor, respiratory disorders, tetraplegia and severe metabolic acidosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Stupor and coma can develop within moments if breathing stops or is severely impaired, or over hours if breathing is less dramatically impaired. [msdmanuals.com]

  Examination Lethargy, stupor and progression to a state of coma may occur, particularly in cases of poisoning. An intoxicated-appearing patient who has no smell of alcoholic drink on their breath may have ingested ethylene glycol. [patient.info]

• Somnolence

  Lethargy and somnolence are symptoms of more severe decompensation. Patients may be hypotensive and tachycardic due to dehydration and acidosis; they may breathe rapidly and deeply to compensate for acidemia (Kussmaul respirations). [merckmanuals.com]

  Plasma VPA levels above 180 mg/mL usually have some degree of lethargy or somnolence. VPA levels have little correlation with severity of intoxication and prognosis. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Apathy

  […] or apathy or ignorance. mt Ir-rifużjoni għandha titħallas sa mhux aktar tard minn ħames xhur wara d-data li fiha jkun intemm il-kontroll ipprovdut fl-Artikolu en Political apathy and polarisation in elections has also risen, reflecting citizens' faltering [mt.glosbe.com]

The following laboratory examinations and tests are utilized for the work up of patients with metabolic acidosis:

• Serum electrolytes: The bicarbonate (HCO3) ion is usually inadequate during metabolic acidosis. 
• Arterial blood gases (ABG): Blood gases analysis will reveal a pH level less than 7.4 during acidotic states. Concentration of HCO3 can also be determined in the ABG [4].
• Urinalysis: Urine pH may be determined from the urinalysis. Electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium can also be measured in the urine [5]. The determination of ketones in the urine is associated with diabetic, starvation, and alcoholic ketoacidosis.
• Anion gap: An increasing anion gap (AG) is indicative of an acidemic state where there is an increased number of undetected ions in the serum [6]. 
• Complete blood count: An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count may connote septicemia which could cause lactic acidosis.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): This renal function test is sensitive in assessing the degree of metabolic acidosis during renal failure [7].
• Serum lactate level: An elevation of up to 3 times the normal serum lactate level is indicative of lactic ketoacidosis. 
• Salicylate level in serum: An elevated serum level of salicylate from oral medications can induce metabolic acidosis.
• Iron serum level: Iron levels exceeding 300 mg/dl is already considered toxic and could consequently lead to metabolic acidosis. 
• Electrocardiography (ECG): This test will detect rhythm abnormalities in the heart during eg. hyperkalemia.

• Hyperchloremia

  BACKGROUND: Metabolic acidosis frequently is present in surgical patients; however, different types of metabolic acidosis (hyperlactatemia, hyperchloremia, and others) may have different relationships to perioperative outcomes. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Types Elevated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis Hyperchloremic Metabolic Acidosis (normal Anion Gap ) See Hyperchloremia III. [fpnotebook.com]

  […] tubular secretion of H + Distal (type I) RTA – decreased reabsorption of HCO 3 - Type IV RTA – inhibited Na reabsorption with abnormal K + and H + retention; decreased renal ammonia formation with reduced elimination of H + Low or negative anion gap (hyperchloremia [arupconsult.com]

  A normal anion gap metabolic acidosis involves no gain of unmeasured anions; however, because of the need for electrical neutrality, serum chloride replaces the depleted bicarbonate, and hyperchloremia develops. [emedicine.com]

• Hypercapnia

  Post-hypocapnia In prolonged hypercapnia renal tubular cells compensate for a prolonged respiratory alkalosis by decreasing reclaimation and generation of HCO 3 (which takes 12-24 hrs for full affect). [nimbot.com]

  Hypercapnia is usually the result of hypoventilation rather than of increased CO2 production. [accessmedicine.mhmedical.com]

  The development of normocapnia or hypercapnia when a severe metabolic acidosis is present often signals respiratory muscle fatigue, impending respiratory failure, and the possible need for initiating mechanical ventilation. [emedicine.com]

  In any condition, sodium bicarbonate may also cause sodium and volume overload, hypokalemia, and, by inhibiting respiratory drive, hypercapnia. [merckmanuals.com]

  […] mechanical ventilation settings Table 4 : Selected causes of metabolic alkalosis Hypovolemia with Cl- depletion GI loss of H+ Vomiting, gastric suction, villous adenoma, diarrhea with chloride-rich fluid Renal loss H+ Loop and thiazide diuretics, post-hypercapnia [thoracic.org]

• Hypocapnia

  Post-hypocapnia In prolonged hypercapnia renal tubular cells compensate for a prolonged respiratory alkalosis by decreasing reclaimation and generation of HCO 3 (which takes 12-24 hrs for full affect). [nimbot.com]

  Blood gas analysis showed severe metabolic acidosis resulting in hypocapnia and a normal pH ( table 1 ). [anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org]

  Underexcretion of CO2 produces hypercapnia, and overexcretion causes hypocapnia. Nevertheless, production and excretion are again matched at a new steady-state Paco2. [accessmedicine.mhmedical.com]

  Mineralocorticoid Deficiency Angiotensin Deficiency: Liver Failure ACE Inhibitor Renin Deficiency Aging Extracellular fluid volume expansion Lead Beta Blocker s Prostaglandin Inhibitor Methyldopa Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor Acetazolamide Mefenamic acid Post-hypocapnia [fpnotebook.com]

• Lactate Decreased

  Likewise, no lactate decrease or a decrease of less than 20% in the first 2- to 4-h is associated with a worse prognosis in trauma patients [77]. Initial hyperlactatemia is also associated with a greater treatment burden. [annalsofintensivecare.springeropen.com]

The goal in the treatment of metabolic acidosis is to raise the serum pH to more than 7.2 to prevent life-threatening complications like cardiac arrhythmia. The most common drug used to balance metabolic acidosis is sodium bicarbonate [8]. Bicarbonate deficit is generally computed as desired HCO3 is equal to HCO3 deficit per Liter multiplied by 0.5 times body weight.

This computation will give a crude estimate of the HCO3 deficit in serum where sodium bicarbonate is administered intravenously to correct the imbalance. In the same way potassium citrate can also be given to correct metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia. Oral sodium bicarbonate is indicated for metabolic acidosis states that requires exogenous bases or alkalis to correct [9]. Researches have determined that potassium citrate may be superior to sodium bicarbonate because it requires lesser volume and does propagate the unnecessary excretion of calcium ion in the urine [10].

In general, the prognosis of metabolic acidosis is related to the underlying condition that gave rise to it. Cohort studies have shown that mortality with metabolic acidosis is usually caused by unabated acidotic states from hyperchloremia [3]. Significant morbidity is also observable among patients with uncorrected and late correction of acid-base imbalances from the time of admission. Severe uncorrected metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death.

Medical conditions that lead to the buildup of acid in the body can potentially cause metabolic acidosis. These medical conditions include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Hyperchloremic acidosis
• Alcoholism
• Malignancy
• Liver failure
• Intense exercise
• Sepsis
• Heart failure
• Acidic medications
• Renal tubular acidosis
• Renal failure [1]
• Poisoning
• Severe dehydration

There are no exact epidemiologic data that give the incidence and prevalence of metabolic acidosis. The relative prevalence of this metabolic state is reflected in each primary disease etiology that result in this acidemic state. Moreover, metabolic acidosis is oftentimes underdiagnosed and underdocumented because metabolic acidosis is just a mere sign of a primary disease process.

In general, the basic pathophysiology of metabolic acidosis is two folds. There could be an increased acid production within any organ system or there is an inadequate production of bicarbonates from the buffering systems of the body [2]. The body regulates plasma acidity by means of these buffering systems: the bicarbonate buffering system, renal compensatory system, respiratory compensatory system, and the intracellular absorption of hydrogen atoms. The bicarbonate system receives the hydrogen from the acidic compounds and neutralizes them into carbon dioxide and water. Any imbalance in the buffering system moves the pH lower than 7.4 making the serum acidic.

Prevention of metabolic acidosis is grossly dependent on the primary prevention of its underlying causes. Diabetic control is essential to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis from ensuing. Alcohol should be taken in moderation to avoid alcoholic ketoacidosis from taking place. Athletic sports and exercises should be done in moderation to prevent lactic acidosis from developing. The injudicious use of salicylate-base pain relievers and iron supplements must be checked to prevent it’s toxicity that may lead to metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis is defined as a medical condition where there is an imbalance of the acid-base ions causing plasma acidity. The metabolic acidosis state is usually a sign of underlying disease process. Correction of the primary cause of the metabolic imbalance will normalize or reverse the metabolic state. An indepth understanding of the nature of the acid-base regulation mechanism is required to understand the complex processes that give rise to metabolic acidosis.

• Definition: Metabolic acidosis is defines as a clinical condition where there is an imbalance of the acid-base ions causing too much acid in plasma.
• Cause: Ketoacidosis is the leading cause of metabolic acidosis which could be brought about by diabetes, alcoholism, starvation, and cancer. Hyperchloremic states with diarrhea and vomiting may also induce acidemic states in the serum.
• Symptoms: Acidotic patients will present with varying degrees of dyspnea, hyperventilation, chest pains, palpitation, and bone pain. 
• Diagnosis: The ideal workup for metabolic acidosis include ABG, CBC, serum lactate levels, and ECG readings. 
• Treatment and follow-up: The prompt correction of the acidemic state is imperative to prevent life-threatening arrhythmia. Patients may be given sodium bicarbonate intravenously, oral sodium bicarbonate, and potassium citrate to correct the metabolic acidosis.

1. Morimatsu H, Toda Y, Egi M, et al. Acid-base variables in patients with acute kidney injury requiring peritoneal dialysis in the pediatric cardiac care unit. J Anesth. 2009; 23(3):334-40.
2. Mitch WE. Metabolic and clinical consequences of metabolic acidosis. J Nephrol. 2006; 19 Suppl 9:S70-5 (ISSN: 1121-8428)
3. Maciel AT, Park M. Differences in acid-base behavior between intensive care unit survivors and nonsurvivors using both a physicochemical and a standard base excess approach: a prospective, observational study. J Crit Care. Dec 2009; 24(4):477-83.
4. Schauer KL, Freund DM, Prenni JE, Curthoys NP. Proteomic profiling and pathway analysis of the response of rat renal proximal convoluted tubules to metabolic acidosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2013; 305(5):F628-40 
5. Pereira PC, Miranda DM, Oliveira EA, Silva AC. Molecular pathophysiology of renal tubular acidosis. Curr Genomics. Mar 2009; 10(1):51-9.
6. Reddy P, Mooradian AD. Clinical utility of anion gap in deciphering acid-base disorders. Int J Clin Pract. Oct 2009; 63(10):1516-25.
7. Mathur RP, Dash SC, Gupta N, Prakash S. Effects of correction of metabolic acidosis on blood urea and bone metabolism in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease: a prospective randomized single blind controlled trial. Ren Fail. 2006; 28(1):1-5.
8. Goraya N, Simoni J, Jo CH, Wesson DE. A comparison of treating metabolic acidosis in CKD stage 4 hypertensive kidney disease with fruits and vegetables or sodium bicarbonate. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. Mar 2013; 8(3):371-81.
9. Abramowitz MK, Melamed ML, Bauer C, Raff AC, Hostetter TH. Effects of oral sodium bicarbonate in patients with CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. May 2013; 8(5):714-20.
10. Starke A, Corsenca A, Kohler T, Knubben J, Kraenzlin M, Uebelhart D, et al. Correction of metabolic acidosis with potassium citrate in renal transplant patients and its effect on bone quality. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. Sep 2012; 7(9):1461-72.