Affiliation:
1. Mike Ward Jones Speciality Registrar in Anaesthesia
2. Matthew Williams Consultant in Anaesthesia & Critical Care Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Abstract
Metabolic alkalosis is a common acid-base abnormality in hospitalised patients, though not frequently life-threatening. We present a case of severe metabolic alkalosis complicating colorectal surgery, which necessitated treatment with intravenous hydrochloric acid. The pathophysiology and treatment of severe metabolic alkalosis are reviewed, with an emphasis on the risks and benefits of hydrochloric acid use.
Subject
Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine,Critical Care