Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
Can be separated in those with or without anion gap.
Causes of metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap:
Renal tubular acidosis
Diarrhoea (HCO3- lost)
Some drugs (acetazolamide)
Addison’s disease
Causes of metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap:
Lactate acidosis (organ hyperperfusion/hypoxia, shock, sepsis)
Urate acidosis (renal failure)
Ketones (ketoacidosis – diabetes, starvation or alcohol)
Drugs/toxins (classically salicylate but others including ethanol and methanol)
Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
Excess antacid intake
Some diuretics (e.g. frusemide)
Cushing's syndrome
Vomiting
Excess licorice intake
Hyperaldosteronism