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Review
. 2019 Jun;8(2):51-56.
doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676061. Epub 2018 Nov 18.

Evaluation and Treatment of Alkalosis in Children

Matjaž Kopač  1
Affiliations
Review

Evaluation and Treatment of Alkalosis in Children

Matjaž Kopač. J Pediatr Intensive Care. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Alkalosis is a disorder of acid-base balance defined by elevated pH of the arterial blood. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by primary elevation of the serum bicarbonate. Due to several mechanisms, it is often associated with hypochloremia and hypokalemia and can only persist in the presence of factors causing and maintaining alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a consequence of dysfunction of respiratory system's control center. There are no pathognomonic symptoms. History is important in the evaluation of alkalosis and usually reveals the cause. It is important to evaluate volemia during physical examination. Treatment must be causal and prognosis depends on a cause.

Keywords: alkalosis; children; chloride.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic diagram of evaluation of alkalosis. BP, blood pressure; decr., decreased; ECF, extracellular fluid; incr., increased; malig., malignant; Sy, syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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