This article is part of a series on Acid Base, edited by Dr John Kellum.

Review

Clinical review: Acid–base abnormalities in the intensive care unit – part II

Lewis J Kaplan and Spiros Frangos

Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Surgical Emergencies, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

author email corresponding author email

Critical Care 2005, 9:198-203doi:10.1186/cc2912

Published:	20 October 2004

Abstract

Acid–base abnormalities are common in the critically ill. The traditional classification of acid–base abnormalities and a modern physico-chemical method of categorizing them will be explored. Specific disorders relating to mortality prediction in the intensive care unit are examined in detail. Lactic acidosis, base excess, and a strong ion gap are highlighted as markers for increased risk of death.