[A short loading acidificacion test with calcium chloride in infants (author's transl)]

The response of blood and kidney to orally administered CaCl2 (4.1 mEq. X Kg.) in a short acid loading was compared to that attained with standard agent NH4Cl (3.9 mEq. X Kg) in two groups of normal infants through a 6 hrs. period. Plasma pH and bicarbonate decreased significantly. Minimum urine pH was 5.0 o lesser in all infants. Decrease of urine pH was greater to CaCl2 than to NH4Cl group but the net hydrogen ion excretion by the kidney was minor. Accordingly this experience CaCl2 can replace NH4Cl as acidifying substance in a short acid loading test. Indication will be diffuse hepatic lesions rendering dangerous NH4Cl administration.