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Acid-base disturbances in gastrointestinal disease
F John Gennari1, Wolfgang J Weise
1Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA. fgennari@uvm.edu
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
|October 17, 2008
Summary
Gastrointestinal disorders disrupt acid-base balance, leading to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. Understanding gut ion transport aids in treating these disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Nephrology
- Physiology of Ion Transport
- Acid-Base Homeostasis
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) function is crucial for maintaining the body's acid-base balance.
- Disruptions from infections, diseases, or surgery can lead to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
- Unregulated fluid and electrolyte losses from the GI tract significantly impact acid-base status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review normal ion transport mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To discuss the pathophysiology of metabolic acid-base disorders associated with GI dysfunction.
- To explore current and novel treatment strategies for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of normal gastrointestinal ion transport.
- Analysis of pathophysiology linking GI disorders to acid-base imbalances.
- Synthesis of treatment approaches for metabolic acidosis and alkalosis in GI disease.
Main Results:
- Normal gut function involves complex ion transport critical for acid-base regulation.
- Specific GI conditions lead to predictable patterns of metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
- Targeting ion transport pathways offers therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal disorders are a significant cause of metabolic acid-base disturbances.
- Understanding GI physiology is key to diagnosing and managing these imbalances.
- Further research into ion transport can lead to improved treatments for patients with GI dysfunction.
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First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
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