Table 3

Spectrum of metabolic acidosis in patients with and without renal dysfunction

Acidosis category

Serum creatinine

<2.0 mg/dl (n = 305)

≥2.0 mg/dl (n = 211)

n

%

n

%

Chloride (n = 105)

76

24.9

22

10.4

SIG (n = 204)

105

34.4

83

39.4

Lactate (n = 239)

124

40.7

106

50.2

Renal dysfunction was defined as a serum creatinine level of at least 2.0 mg/dl at the time at which the electrolytes were drawn. Acidosis category is described as the predominant anion associated with the metabolic acidosis. SIG, strong ion gap. Percentages are based on column totals. The sum of each row is less than the total n because of missing data (no contemporaneous creatinine).

Gunnerson et al. Critical Care 2006 10:R22   doi:10.1186/cc3987