Hydrochloric acid for treating metabolic alkalosis.

Abstract

Six patients with severe metabolic alkalosis were treated with intravenous hydrochloric acid (HCl) infusion. HCl was given through a central venous catheter, at a concentration of 0.1 mEq per ml. At least two of the following criteria were considered for initiation of the therapy: An arterial pH of greater than 7.45, a base excess (BE) of greater than +7 mmol/L, a PaCO2 of greater than 50 mmHg. The HCl amount was calculated using the BE formula, however, two thirds was infused for avoiding excessive acid loading. Patients were monitored by the blood gases, serum electrolytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, bilirubin determinations and blood smear findings. While a significant decrease was noticed in pH and BE values, moderate changes were detected in PaCO2 due to different ventilatory status of the cases. All laboratory test results remained within normal limits and no complication was encountered. The advantage of the therapy is that less volume is needed for the correction of alkalosis, particularly in the cases requiring fluid restriction. HCl therapy, moreover, is a safe and time-saving method because of having rapid response to the treatment in the critically ill surgical patients.

• Authors: A Korkmaz, E Yildirim, N Aras, F Ercan
• Journal: The Japanese journal of surgery (Jpn J Surg) Vol. 19 Issue 5 Pg. 519-23 (Sep 1989) ISSN: 0047-1909 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 2593388 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrochloric Acid

Topics

• Acid-Base Equilibrium (drug effects)
• Alkalosis (drug therapy)
• Critical Care
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrochloric Acid (administration & dosage)
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (drug therapy)