Acid-base disturbances in intensive care patients: etiology, pathophysiology and treatment

Abstract

Acid-base disturbances are very common in critically ill and injured patients as well as contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. An understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders is vital to their proper management. This review will discuss the etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of acid-base disturbances in intensive care patients--with particular attention to evidence from recent studies examining the effects of fluid resuscitation on acid-base and its consequences.

Keywords: acidosis; acid–base physiology; alkalosis; anion gap; strong ion difference.