Abstract
In order to maintain the acid-base balance in the human body, it is necessary to keep the pH value constant within narrow limits. The organism uses various buffering mechanisms, such as the phosphate and protein buffer systems (PO 4, hemoglobin), to accomplish this. In addition to these, the relationship pCO 2 to HCO 3 - is critical for determining the pH. Breathing regulates the pCO 2, the kidneys the production and excretion of bicarbonate. Disorders of acid-base metabolism are often neglected and their meaning as diagnostic or prognostic markers for various conditions disregarded. The analysis of acid-base disorders can be accomplished by a step-wise approach starting with the arterial or arterialized blood gas sample. This analysis results in the differentiation of respiratory, metabolic, simple or mixed disorders. Therapy for acid-base disorders is primarily via the correction of the underlying disease. Direct correction of the pH by adding acidic or basic reagents is usually only indicated in states of severe decompensation or chronic metabolic acidosis.
Translated title of the contribution | Diagnosis and therapy of acid-base balance disorders |
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Original language | German |
Pages (from-to) | 113-126 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Nephrologe |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2006 |