[Appraisal, diagnosis and therapy of chronic metabolic acidosis in Germany]

Data concerning chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) has been sparse for a long time. This might be one reason why the diagnosis and therapy of this common complication in CKD patients has not received much attention. Emerging clinical data indicate that the treatment of metabolic acidosis, which is simple and cost-efficient, offers great therapeutic potential.

Survey among German nephrologists to collect information about current appraisal, diagnostic and therapeutic routine in clinical practice, and to determine the need for recommendations by the medical society.

In August 2012, all nephrologists in Germany (n = 2095) were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire regarding diagnosis, evaluation and therapy of CMA. 207 questionnaires (9.9 %) were returned and analysed. The CMA was rated as the second most important contributor for the progression of renal insufficiency, with the most important being hypertension. In addition, there was a high consensus concerning diagnosis and therapy of CMA. But estimates on prevalence were highly diverse.

In this survey the CMA was rated as an important co-morbidity. Participating nephrologists mostly followed treatment guidelines. However, major differences in the perception of prevalence of CMA were observed, leaving the possibility that CMA is still underdiagnosed. Further recommendations of the German Society of Nephrology could improve the diagnosis and therapy.