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Acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities in alcoholic patients
M Elisaf1, M Merkouropoulos, E V Tsianos
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Alcohol abuse frequently causes acid-base and electrolyte imbalances in patients. These disturbances, including ketoacidosis and various electrolyte abnormalities, arise from specific pathogenetic mechanisms in alcoholism.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
- Nephrology
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is a significant public health issue.
- Alcoholism is associated with numerous physiological derangements.
- Understanding these metabolic disturbances is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities in alcoholic patients.
- To investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these disturbances.
- To provide insights into the metabolic consequences of alcohol abuse.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 79 alcoholic patients aged 31-78 years.
- Laboratory investigations of acid-base status and electrolytes were performed on admission.
- Patients with other diseases or on relevant medications were excluded.
Main Results:
- 40.5% of patients exhibited acid-base disturbances, including respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis, and alcoholic ketoacidosis.
- 52% had electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyponatremia (including pseudohyponatremia), hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia.
- Specific pathogenetic mechanisms were identified for various electrolyte imbalances.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholic patients frequently develop significant acid-base and electrolyte disturbances.
- These abnormalities are linked to diverse pathogenetic mechanisms related to alcohol abuse.
- Early identification and understanding of these metabolic derangements are vital for effective clinical intervention.