Figure 2.

Proposed metabolic acidosis classification flow diagram based on the contributing anion group. This flow diagram is one proposed way to classify metabolic acidosis based on the major contributing anion group. The definition of metabolic acidosis component is a standard base excess (SBE) below -2 mEq/l. It is not based on pH because of the possibility of respiratory compensation. SIDa, apparent strong ion difference; SIDe, effective strong ion difference; SIG, strong ion gap.