Table 3

Differential diagnosis of a metabolic alkalosis (increased SID)

Chloride loss < sodium loss
   Chloride responsive (urine Cl- concentration <10 mmol/l)
        Gastrointestinal losses: vomiting, gastric drainage, chloride
         wasting diarrhea (villous adenoma)
      Postdiuretic use
      Posthypercapnea
   Chloride unresponsive (urine Cl- concentration >20 mmol/l)
      Mineralocorticoid excess: primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's
         syndrome), secondary hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's
         syndrome, Liddle's syndrome, Bartter's syndrome,
         exogenous corticoids, excessive licorice intake
      Ongoing diuretic use
Exogenous sodium load (>chloride)
   Sodium salt administration (acetate, citrate): massive blood
      transfusions, parenteral nutrition, plasma volume expanders,
      sodium lactate (Ringer's solution)
Other
   Severe deficiency of intracellular cations: Mg2+, K+

SID, strong ion difference.

Kellum Critical Care 2000 4:6   doi:10.1186/cc644