Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Low BMI increases the risk of metabolic acidosis in children with dehydration

Juraj Stanik1,2, Simona Tarnokova3, Lenka Langerova1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Medical Faculty of the Comenius University and National Institute for Children's Diseases, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|June 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic acidosis in dehydrated children is linked to severe dehydration, no diarrhea, and low oral intake. Low body mass index (BMI) is also a risk factor for this condition in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Metabolic acidosis (MA) is a critical factor in determining inpatient care for pediatric dehydration.
  • Identifying risk factors for MA in dehydrated children is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for the development of metabolic acidosis (MA) in otherwise healthy children presenting with acute dehydration.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 328 children hospitalized with acute dehydration.
  • Evaluation of anamnestic, clinical, and anthropometric factors.
  • Definition of MA: blood pH < 7.36 and serum bicarbonate < 22 mmol/L.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic acidosis (MA) occurred in 35.6% of the studied children.
  • MA was independently associated with higher dehydration degree, absence of diarrhea, and zero oral intake.
  • Low body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with MA, while age and body weight were not significant factors.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified low BMI and absence of diarrhea as additional risk factors for MA in dehydrated children.
  • Dehydration severity remains a primary risk factor for MA development.
Abstract

Keywords:
BMIchildrendehydrationmetabolic acidosisrisk factors

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction01:25

Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction

DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a metabolic emergency characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and metabolic acidosis. It results from severe insulin deficiency and an excess of counterregulatory hormones, leading to uncontrolled lipolysis, ketogenesis, and widespread electrolyte and fluid disturbances.Pathophysiology The central event in DKA is a profound loss of insulin action. Without insulin, glucose uptake in insulin-dependent tissues is impaired, while hepatic glucose production...
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
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...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Acid-Base Balance01:25

Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...