Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:17
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Transplacental metabolic alkalosis
Patrik Schimert1, Vera Bernet-Buettiker, Christoph Rutishauser
1Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|November 27, 2007
Summary
Maternal metabolic alkalosis can cause hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis in newborns. Prompt detection and treatment of this condition are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening hypoventilation in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Metabolic alkalosis in pregnancy is uncommon.
- Eating disorders can lead to severe electrolyte disturbances.
- Transplacental transfer of electrolyte disorders is not well-documented.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis.
- The infant's condition was attributed to severe metabolic alkalosis in the mother.
- The mother had a probable eating disorder.
Findings:
- The newborn's primary symptom, hypoventilation, resolved rapidly with treatment.
- This case highlights the potential for transplacental electrolyte disorders.
- Undetected cases may be more common due to asymptomatic presentation.
Implications:
- Early recognition of maternal electrolyte imbalances is vital for neonatal outcomes.
- Further research is needed on the transplacental transmission of electrolyte disorders.
- Screening for maternal eating disorders may be important in at-risk pregnancies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
01:24Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
01:22Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a metabolic emergency characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and metabolic acidosis. It results from severe insulin deficiency and an excess of counterregulatory hormones, leading to uncontrolled lipolysis, ketogenesis, and widespread electrolyte and fluid disturbances.Pathophysiology The central event in DKA is a profound loss of insulin action. Without insulin, glucose uptake in insulin-dependent tissues is impaired, while hepatic glucose production...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:25Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
01:20Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...