Chapter 048. Acidosis and Alkalosis (Part 11) Alkali Administration Chronic administration of alkali to individuals with normal renal function rarely, if ever, causes alkalosis. However, in patients with coexistent hemodynamic disturbances, alkalosis can develop because the normal capacity to excrete HCO 3 – may be exceeded or there may be enhanced reabsorption of HCO 3 – . Such patients include those who receive HCO 3 – (PO or IV), acetate loads (parenteral hyperalimentation solutions), citrate loads (transfusions), or antacids plus cation-exchange resins (aluminum hydroxide and sodium polystyrene sulfonate). Metabolic Alkalosis Associated with ECFV Contraction, K + Depletion, and Secondary Hyperreninemic Hyperaldosteronism Gastrointestinal Origin Gastrointestinal loss of H + from vomiting or gastric aspiration results in retention of HCO 3 – . The loss of fluid and NaCl in vomitus or nasogastric suction results in contraction of the ECFV and an increase in the secretion of renin and aldosterone. Volume contraction through a reduction in GFR results in an enhanced capacity of the renal tubule to reabsorb HCO 3 – . During active vomiting, however, the filtered load of bicarbonate is acutely increased to the point that the reabsorptive capacity of the proximal tubule for HCO 3 – is exceeded. The excess NaHCO 3 issuing out of the proximal tubule reaches the distal tubule, where H + secretion is enhanced by an aldosterone and the delivery of the poorly reabsorbed anion, HCO 3 – . Correction of the contracted ECFV with NaCl and repair of K + deficits corrects the acid-base disorder, and chloride deficiency. Renal Origin Diuretics (See also Chap. 227) Drugs that induce chloruresis, such as thiazides and loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide, and ethacrynic acid), acutely diminish the ECFV without altering the total body bicarbonate content. The serum [HCO 3 – ] increases because the reduced ECFV "contracts" the [HCO 3 – ] in the plasma (contraction alkalosis). The chronic administration of diuretics tends to generate an alkalosis by increasing distal salt delivery, so that K + and H + secretion are stimulated. The alkalosis is maintained by persistence of the contraction of the ECFV, secondary hyperaldosteronism, K + deficiency, and the direct effect of the diuretic (as long as diuretic administration continues). Repair of the alkalosis is achieved by providing isotonic saline to correct the ECFV deficit. Solute Losing Disorders: Bartter's Syndrome and Gitelman's Syndrome See Chap. 278. Nonreabsorbable Anions and Magnesium Deficiency Administration of large quantities of nonreabsorbable anions, such as penicillin or carbenicillin, can enhance distal acidification and K + secretion by increasing the transepithelial potential difference (lumen negative). Mg 2+ deficiency results in hypokalemic alkalosis by enhancing distal acidification through stimulation of renin and hence aldosterone secretion. Potassium Depletion Chronic K + depletion may cause metabolic alkalosis by increasing urinary acid excretion. Both NH 4 + production and absorption are enhanced and HCO 3 – reabsorption is stimulated. Chronic K + deficiency upregulates the renal H + , K + - ATPase to increase K + absorption at the expense of enhanced H + secretion. Alkalosis associated with severe K + depletion is resistant to salt administration, but repair of the K + deficiency corrects the alkalosis. After Treatment of Lactic Acidosis or Ketoacidosis When an underlying stimulus for the generation of lactic acid or ketoacid is removed rapidly, as with repair of circulatory insufficiency or with insulin therapy, the lactate or ketones are metabolized to yield an equivalent amount of HCO 3 – . Other sources of new HCO 3 – are additive with the original amount generated by organic anion metabolism to create a surfeit of HCO 3 – . Such sources include (1) new HCO 3 – added to the blood by the kidneys as a result of enhanced acid excretion during the preexisting period of acidosis, and (2) alkali therapy during the treatment phase of the acidosis. Acidosis-induced contraction of the ECFV and K + deficiency act to sustain the alkalosis. Posthypercapnia Prolonged CO 2 retention with chronic respiratory acidosis enhances renal HCO 3 – absorption and the generation of new HCO 3 – (increased net acid excretion). If the Pa CO2 is returned to normal, metabolic alkalosis results from the persistently elevated [HCO 3 – ]. Alkalosis develops if the elevated Pa CO2 is abruptly returned toward normal by a change in mechanically controlled ventilation. Associated ECFV contraction does not allow complete repair of the alkalosis by correction of the Pa CO2 alone, and alkalosis persists until Cl – supplementation is provided. . Chapter 048. Acidosis and Alkalosis (Part 11) Alkali Administration Chronic administration of alkali to individuals with normal renal function rarely, if ever, causes alkalosis. . preexisting period of acidosis, and (2) alkali therapy during the treatment phase of the acidosis. Acidosis- induced contraction of the ECFV and K + deficiency act to sustain the alkalosis. Posthypercapnia. (contraction alkalosis) . The chronic administration of diuretics tends to generate an alkalosis by increasing distal salt delivery, so that K + and H + secretion are stimulated. The alkalosis