Hypoproteinemic alkalosis.
McAuliffe JJ, Lind LJ, Leith DE, Fencl V.
Hypoproteinemia by itself causes a nonrespiratory ("metabolic") alkalosis. On the average, a decrease in plasma albumin concentration of 1 g/dl produces an increase in "standard" bicarbonate of 3.4 mM/liter, and an apparent base excess of +3.7 meq/liter; it also reduces the value of the normal anion gap by about 3 meq/liter. Concentration of plasma protein should be measured as part of the analysis of acid-base status. Interpretation of acid-base data requires special consideration in "primary hypoproteinemic alkalosis."
PMID: 3089010 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]