Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
A prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study: the correction of metabolic acidosis with use of
Biagio Di Iorio1, Filippo Aucella, Giuseppe Conte
1SOC di Nefrologia, A. Landolfi Hospital, Solofra, Avellino, Italy. br.diiorio@libero.it
Background:
A Cochrane Collaboration review (Roderick, Cochrane Data base of systemic reviews 2007, DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD0018.90.pub3) reported that there was no evidence for correction of acidosis by sodium bicarbonate in pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and concluded that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate the benefits and harms of correcting metabolic acidosis in pre-ESRD patients. We wanted to evaluate if the administration of alcaly (mainly sodium bicarbonate) is able to significantly modify renal death and to reduce mortality due to cardiovascular events.
Methods:
This is a proposal for a multicenter, prospective, cohort, randomized and controlled study. We will randomize 600 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b and 4; 300 of these patients will be included in the bicarbonate study group (Bic), in which levels of bicarbonate should be kept >24 mEq/L; the other 300 patients will be included in the usual-treatment group (no-Bic).
Results:
The aim of the research protocol is to demonstrate whether the optimal correction of uremic acidosis (with administration of sodium bicarbonate or of any other alkalinizing agent - e.g., sodium citrate) reduces renal and cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, the Work Group on Conservative Therapy for Chronic Renal Insufficiency proposes this prospective, multicenter, cohort, randomized, controlled study to evaluate the effects of correction of acidosis on the progression of the kidney disease evaluated as renal death in ESRD patients.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
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...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to reabsorb or...
