[Water-electrolyte and acid-base disorders. VII. Metabolic alkalosis]

Metabolic alkalosis is defined as a primary increase in plasma bicarbonate concentration. As a consequence of this increase, systemic alkalemia and secondary hypercapnia develop. In most instances metabolic alkalosis arises from loss of acid through the kidney or gastrointestinal tract. The causes of metabolic alkalosis can be separated into two groups. Those forms of alkalosis responsive to chloride salt administration (e.g., vomiting), are associated with extracellular fluid volume and chloride depletion. In contrast, alkalosis resistant to administration of chloride salt (e.g., primary aldosteronism), is usually associated with extracellular fluid volume expansion and a urine chloride above 20 mEq/L (mmol/L). Metabolic alkalosis; causes; diagnosis; clinical manifestations.