Serum Bicarbonate Concentration Research Articles

Outcomes of a tele-intensive care unit pharmacist on the management of diabetic ketoacidosis.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The tele-intensive care unit (tele-ICU) pharmacist facilitates patient-specific diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment utilizing guideline-directed therapy. This study was designed to determine how patient-specific interventions by a tele-ICU pharmacist affected patients with DKA compared to the standard of care. This retrospective cohort study utilized custom reports and manual chart review to evaluate the electronic health records of patients 18 years or older who received continuous intravenous insulin and were admitted for DKA between January 2019 and December 2020. The primary endpoint was time to DKA resolution, defined by the patient meeting at least 2 of the following criteria: a serum bicarbonate concentration of at least 18 mEq/L, an arterial pH of greater than 7.3, and closure of the anion gap (less than or equal to 12 mEq/L). Patients treated with tele-ICU pharmacist patient-specific interventions reached DKA resolution 7.32 hours earlier than patients treated with the standard of care (22.16 vs 29.48 hours; P = 0.0019). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for ICU length of stay, time until subcutaneous insulin administration, incidence of hypoglycemia, incidence of severe hypoglycemia, and sodium bicarbonate use. In patients who received a tele-ICU pharmacist intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in the volume for fluid resuscitation and the amount of total continuous insulin infused after ICU admission and a statistically significant reduction in the time between laboratory draws. Treatment of patients with tele-ICU pharmacist patient-specific interventions was associated with faster DKA resolution, more frequent laboratory monitoring, and a higher volume of insulin and fluids infused than in patients treated with protocol-driven therapy.

Clinical Characteristics of 427 Unvaccinated Chinese Adult Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: A Retrospective Study

Background: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients constitute a distinctive population characterized by unique traits, such as hemodialysis-related immune disturbances, and increased vulnerability to infections, heart failure, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite considerable research on MHD patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is limited information available on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of unvaccinated adult MHD patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted in a cohort of 427 unvaccinated MHD patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. The clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment regimens were comprehensively examined. Multivariate regression identified independent risk factors for disease severity, and two-month follow-up assessments were conducted. Results: The cohort exhibited a spectrum of disease severity, with 37.5% classified as mild, 35.3% as common, 22.5% as severe, and 4.7% as critical. Serum C-reactive protein level, procalcitonin level, and bicarbonate concentration are related to the severity of the disease. Tailored treatment strategies—including nutritional support, hemodialysis management, anti-bacterial interventions, and more—were implemented. There was a 5.6% mortality rate, with a higher prevalence of deaths in the critical subtype. Independent risk factors for disease severity included fever, age, cycle threshold values (Ct values) of ORF1ab gene, and arterial oxygen partial pressure. Follow-up assessments revealed a median duration of 11 days for the negative nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2. Twelve patients presented a second positive ORF1ab gene during follow-up but remained asymptomatic. Conclusion: These findings suggest the intricate clinical characteristics and outcomes of MHD patients with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. Tailored treatment strategies, continuous surveillance, and understanding prognostic factors are imperative for managing this high-risk population. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

#1256 Comparison of clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury between glufosinate and glyphosate poisoning

Abstract Background and Aims There are few studies comparing the clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) between glufosinate and glyphosate poisoning. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics of AKI in patients with glufosinate and glyphosate poisoning, and compared the clinical features of AKI between two groups. Method This study performed between 2008 and 2021 included 76 patients with glufosinate poisoning and 184 patients with glyphosate poisoning. This study included 76 patients with glufosinate poisoning and 184 patients with glyphosate poisoning in the period from 2008 to 2021. Based on Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage kidney disease classification, we investigated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and severity of AKI between two groups [(glufosinate-induced AKI (Glu-AKI, n=54) and glyphosate-induced AKI (Gly-AKI, n=82)]. Results The incidence of AKI in patients with glufosinate poisoning is higher than that of glyphosate poisoning (57.5% vs 44.5%, P<0.05). However, there is no difference of AKI severity between two groups (Glu-AKI; Risk 56.2%, Injury 36.9%, Failure 6.9% vs Gly-AKI; Risk 56.2%, Injury 14.6%, Failure 29.2%, P=NS). Comparing two groups, there is also no difference in age (62.6 ± 14.2 years vs. 63.3 ± 16.2 years, P=NS) and renal function on admission (63.9 ± 25.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 62.2 ± 22.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, P=NS). The length of hospitalization was longer (17.2 ± 17.2 days vs. 10.7 ± 12.1 days, P<0.05) in Glu-AKI group than that of Gly-AKI group. The mortality rate was higher in the Gly-AKI group than Glu-AKI (11.1% vs. 18.3%, P=NS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum bicarbonate concentration on admission was a significant predictors of AKI in patients with AKI after glyphosate and glufosinate intoxication. Conclusion Although there is a higher incidence of AKI in glufosinate poisoning, there is no difference in clinical characteristics between the two types of intoxication.

Metabolic Acidosis in CKD: Pathogenesis, Adverse Effects, and Treatment Effects.

Metabolic acidosis is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease and is associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including worsening kidney function, poor musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular events, and death. Mechanisms that prevent metabolic acidosis detrimentally promote further kidney damage, creating a cycle between acid accumulation and acid-mediated kidney injury. Disrupting this cycle through the provision of alkali, most commonly using sodium bicarbonate, is hypothesized to preserve kidney function while also mitigating adverse effects of excess acid on bone and muscle. However, results from clinical trials have been conflicting. There is also significant interest to determine whether sodium bicarbonate might improve patient outcomes for those who do not have overt metabolic acidosis. Such individuals are hypothesized to be experiencing acid-mediated organ damage despite having a normal serum bicarbonate concentration, a state often referred to as subclinical metabolic acidosis. Results from small- to medium-sized trials in individuals with subclinical metabolic acidosis have also been inconclusive. Well-powered clinical trials to determine the efficacy and safety of sodium bicarbonate are necessary to determine if this intervention improves patient outcomes.

348 Serum Bicarbonate Concentrations and CKD Progression in Patients with Metabolic Acidosis: Evidence from VALOR-CKD

348 Serum Bicarbonate Concentrations and CKD Progression in Patients with Metabolic Acidosis: Evidence from VALOR-CKD

Pathophysiology of Diet-Induced Acid Stress.

Diets can influence the body's acid-base status because specific food components yield acids, bases, or neither when metabolized. Animal-sourced foods yield acids and plant-sourced food, particularly fruits and vegetables, generally yield bases when metabolized. Modern diets proportionately contain more animal-sourced than plant-sourced foods, are, thereby, generally net acid-producing, and so constitute an ongoing acid challenge. Acid accumulation severe enough to reduce serum bicarbonate concentration, i.e., manifesting as chronic metabolic acidosis, the most extreme end of the continuum of "acid stress", harms bones and muscles and appears to enhance the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Progressive acid accumulation that does not achieve the threshold amount necessary to cause chronic metabolic acidosis also appears to have deleterious effects. Specifically, identifiable acid retention without reduced serum bicarbonate concentration, which, in this review, we will call "covert acidosis", appears to cause kidney injury and exacerbate CKD progression. Furthermore, the chronic engagement of mechanisms to mitigate the ongoing acid challenge of modern diets also appears to threaten health, including kidney health. This review describes the full continuum of "acid stress" to which modern diets contribute and the mechanisms by which acid stress challenges health. Ongoing research will develop clinically useful tools to identify stages of acid stress earlier than metabolic acidosis and determine if dietary acid reduction lowers or eliminates the threats to health that these diets appear to cause.

Risk factors for hip and vertebral fractures in chronic kidney disease: the CRIC study.

Fracture risk is high in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and underlying pathophysiology and risk factors may differ from the general population. In a cohort study of 3939 participants in the chronic renal insufficiency cohort (CRIC), we used Cox regression to test associations of putative risk factors with the composite of first hip or vertebral fracture assessed using hospital discharge codes. Mean age was 58years, 45% were female, 42% were Black, and 13% were Hispanic. There were 82 hip and 24 vertebral fractures over a mean (SD) 11.1 (4.8) years (2.4 events per 1000 person-years [95% CI: 2.0, 2.9]). Measured at baseline, diabetes, lower body mass index (BMI), steroid use, proteinuria, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) were each associated with fracture risk after adjusting for covariates. Lower time-updated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with fractures (HR 1.20 per 10mL/min/1.73m2 lower eGFR; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.38) as were lower time-updated serum calcium and bicarbonate concentrations. Among time-updated categories of kidney function, hazard ratios (95% CI) for incident fracture were 4.53 (1.77, 11.60) for kidney failure treated with dialysis and 2.48 (0.86, 7.14) for post-kidney transplantation, compared with eGFR ≥60. Proton pump inhibitor use, dietary calcium intake, measures of vitamin D status, serum phosphate, urine calcium and phosphate, and plasma fibroblast growth factor-23 were not associated with fracture risk. In conclusion, lower eGFR in CKD is associated with higher fracture risk, which was highest in kidney failure. Diabetes, lower BMI, steroid use, proteinuria, higher serum concentrations of PTH, and lower calcium and bicarbonate concentrations were associated with fractures and may be modifiable risk factors.

Association Between the Dialysate Bicarbonate and the Pre-dialysis Serum Bicarbonate Concentration in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

It is unclear whether the use of higher dialysate bicarbonate concentrations is associated with clinically relevant changes in the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration. The objective is to examine the association between the dialysate bicarbonate prescription and the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration. This is a retrospective cohort study. The study was performed using linked administrative health care databases in Ontario, Canada. Prevalent adults receiving maintenance in-center hemodialysis as of April 1, 2020 (n = 5414) were included. Patients were grouped into the following dialysate bicarbonate categories at the dialysis center-level: individualized (adjustment based on pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration) or standardized (>90% of patients received the same dialysate bicarbonate concentration). The standardized category was stratified by concentration: 35, 36 to 37, and ≥38 mmol/L. The primary outcome was the mean outpatient pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration at the patient level. We examined the association between dialysate bicarbonate category and pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate using an adjusted linear mixed model. All dialysate bicarbonate categories had a mean pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration within the normal range. In the individualized category, 91% achieved a pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate ≥22 mmol/L, compared to 87% in the standardized category. Patients in the standardized category tended to have a serum bicarbonate that was 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.93, 0.43) mmol/L lower than patients in the individualized category. Relative to patients in the 35 mmol/L category, patients in the 36 to 37 and ≥38 mmol/L categories tended to have a serum bicarbonate that was 0.70 (95% CI = -0.30, 1.70) mmol/L and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.14, 1.60) mmol/L higher, respectively. There was no effect modification by age, sex, or history of chronic lung disease. We could not directly confirm that all laboratory measurements were pre-dialysis. Data on prescribed dialysate bicarbonate concentrations for individual dialysis sessions were not available, which may have led to some misclassification, and adherence to a practice of individualization could not be measured. Residual confounding is possible. We found no significant difference in the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration irrespective of whether an individualized or standardized dialysate bicarbonate was used. Dialysate bicarbonate concentrations ≥38 mmol/L (vs 35 mmol/L) may increase the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration by 0.9 mmol/L.

Acid base homeostasis and serum bicarbonate concentration in syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) with hyponatremia.

The Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) presents with excess ADH release caused by a range of conditions; including pneumonia, brain tumors, certain lung cancers, and diseases of the hypothalamus. It presents with significant reduction in both sodium and chloride concentrations in the blood. However, reports examining the acid base status indicate a normal serum bicarbonate concentration and systemic acid base homeostasis. The mechanisms for the absence of abnormalities in acid base homeostasis remain speculative. This mini review is highlighting the recent advances in renal molecular physiology to provide answers for the maintenance of acid base status and serum bicarbonate in a physiological range.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Ginger on Gastric PH and Serum Bicarbonate of Wistar Rats

Ginger plant has a perennial, tuberous root or rhizome. The rhizome which is the horizontal stem from which the roots grow, is the main portion of ginger that is consumed as a spice in dried, preserved and green forms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of methanolic extract of ginger on gastric pH and post-prandial serum bicarbonate in wistar rats. A total of 20 male rats weighing 180 to 250g were divided into four groups of 5 rats each; Group I served as control, Group II received 100mg/kg methanolic ginger extract, Group III received omeprazole (20mg/kg) and Group IV received a combination of omeprazole and methanolic ginger extract. After 45 minutes of administration of the extract, the pH of the gastric effluent increased significantly whereas the post-prandial serum bicarbonate concentration decreased significantly compared to control (p<0.05). Although Omeprazole caused marked reduction in gastric pH, coadministering with methanolic ginger extract prevented excessive reduction in gastric pH that occurred with the drug alone. In the determination of serum post-prandial bicarbonate level, the methanolic ginger extract group showed levels significantly lower than the control group while the Omeprazole and co-administration groups were significantly lower in comparison with extract group. Hence, the study concluded that methanolic ginger extract alone neutralized gastric acid secreted while in combination with Omeprazole, it acted as a buffer to stabilize the gastric pH.

Use of serum osmolality to identify heart disease stage in dogs and relationship to mathematical chloride correction.

Heart failure-associated hypochloremia can be depletional from diuretics or dilutional from water retention. Serum osmolality reflects water balance but has not been evaluated in dogs with heart disease. To determine if serum osmolality is related to heart disease stage and amount of mathematical correction of serum chloride (Cl- ) concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). Seventy-seven dogs (20 healthy, 25 Stage B MMVD, 32 Stage C/D MMVD). Serum Cl- concentrations were mathematically corrected. Osmolality was calculated (calOsm) and directly measured by freezing point depression (dmOsm) and compared by Bland-Altman analysis. Biochemical variables and osmolality were compared among healthy, Stage B, and Stage C/D dogs. Correlations were explored between osmolality and biochemical variables. Median and range are presented. P < .05 was considered significant. The calOsm was different among groups (P = .003), with Stage B (310 mOsm/kg; 306, 316) and C/D dogs (312 mOsm/kg; 308, 319) having higher calOsm than healthy dogs (305 mOsm/kg; 302, 308). Osmolality methods were moderately correlated (P < .0001, rs = .46) but with proportional bias and poor agreement. The amount of Cl- correction was negatively correlated with calOsm (P < .0001, rs = -.78) and dmOsm (P = .004, rs = -.33). Serum bicarbonate concentration was negatively correlated with Cl- (P < .0001, rs = -.67). Dogs with Stage B and Stage C/D heart disease had higher calOsm than healthy dogs. Osmolality was inversely related to the amount of Cl- correction, which supports its use in assessing relative body water content. Poor agreement between calOsm and dmOsm prevents methodological interchange.

#2572 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH GLUFOSINATE POISONING

Abstract Background and Aims Glufosinate-containing herbicide is widely used in agriculture. According to previous reports, glufosinate poisoning causes various complications, but there are few reports of nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with glufosinate poisoning. Method This study performed between 2008 and 2021 included 76 patients categorized into the AKI and the non-AKI groups. The incidence, clinical characteristics, and severity of AKI were compared between the AKI (n=54) and the non-AKI (n=22) groups, based on the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage kidney disease classification. Results The incidence of AKI was 71.1%, of which 40.9%, 26.3%, and 3.9% patients were classified into the Risk, Injury, and Failure categories, respectively. Patients in the AKI group were older (62.6±14.2 years vs. 54.9±16.2 years, P=0.045) and poorer renal function (73.9±25.2 mL/min/1.73 m² vs. 94.5±35.5 mL/min/1.73 m², P=0.006) on admission. The length of hospitalization was longer (17.2±17.2 days vs. 7.6±7.6 days, P=0.014) in AKI group, and the mean amount of glufosinate ingested was higher in AKI group than that in non-AKI group (250±172 mL vs. 152±121 mL, P=0.032). In addition, the serum bicarbonate level was lower in AKI group than in non-AKI group (19.9±4.7 vs. 23.0±3.3, P=0.006). Notably, intensive care unit admissions (81.5% vs. 40.9%, P=0.001) and mechanical ventilator support (68.5% vs. 22.7%, P&amp;lt;0.001) were more frequently required in the AKI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum bicarbonate concentration on admission remained significant predictors of AKI in patient with glufosinate poisoning. Conclusion Serum bicarbonate is helpful to predict the development of patients with glufosinate poisoning.

#3775 PHOSPHATE BINDERS FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING DIALYSIS: A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Abstract Background and Aims Phosphate binders (PBs) are essential for proper serum phosphorus control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring dialysis along with adequate dialysis and phosphorus restriction. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of each PBs, we conducted a systematic review (SR) using a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Method We searched published RCTs in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Clinical trial.gov databases using the search terms and text words relevant to this SR. We included RCTs involving adults (18 years and older) with at least 8 weeks of follow-up. Interventions and controls were the following: sevelamer-, bixalomer-, tenapanor-, iron- (ferric citrate, sucroferric oxyhydroxide), calcium-, magnesium-, lanthanum-, aluminium-, nicotinic acid-, and standard treatment or placebo). The outcomes were all-cause mortality, gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs), coronary artery calcium score (CACS), and serum calcium, phosphorus, and bicarbonate concentrations. Summary estimates were expressed as relative risk (RR) for binary outcomes and mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The protocol of this study is registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022328388. Results All-cause mortality was identified and analysed in 29 trials involving 12,622 participants. Compared with calcium-containing PBs, sevelamer reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.65, 95%CI 0.45 to 0.96). The risk of gastrointestinal AEs was higher for nicotinic acid (RR 3.79, 95%CI 1.29 to 11.12), sucroferric oxyhydroxide (RR 1.96, 95%CI 1.47 to 2.63), sevelamer (RR 1.47, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.88), and lanthanum (RR 1.36, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.64) than calcium-containing PBs. Lanthanum had an inhibitory effect on CACS progression compared to calcium-containing PBs (SMD -0.63, 95% CI -1.05 to -0.22). Serum calcium was lower than calcium-containing PBs in the following order: magnesium (MD -0.67, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.22), placebo (MD -0.64, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.67), nicotinic acid (MD -0.56, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.005), sevelamer (MD -0.35, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.23), and lanthanum (MD -0.24, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.095). No significant difference was observed in serum phosphorus decrease between any PBs and calcium-containing PBs. Serum bicarbonate concentration increased with ferric citrate (MD 1.16, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.96) and sucroferric oxyhydroxide (MD 1.06, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.82) but decreased with sevelamer (MD -1.24, 95% CI -1.71 to -0.77). Conclusion Our findings from SR based on NMA suggest that lanthanum may attenuate CACS and sevelamer may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality compared to calcium-containing PBs in patients with CKD requiring dialysis.

A Severe Case of Hypokalemic Metabolic Alkalosis: A Quiz

A Severe Case of Hypokalemic Metabolic Alkalosis: A Quiz

Metabolic Acidosis in Children: A Literature Review

Metabolic acidosis is characterised by a primary decrease in the serum bicarbonate concentration, a secondary decrease in the arterial partial pressure of CO­2, and a reduction in blood pH. Metabolic acidosis, acute or chronic, may have deleterious effects on cellular function and cause increased morbidity and mortality. A systematic review of the available literature was performed to identify data on the prevalence, manifestations, cause, outcomes, and treatment of metabolic acidosis in children. Online databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, and PubMed), commercial search engines (including Google), and chapters on metabolic acidosis in the standard textbooks of paediatrics and medicine were reviewed. Systematic approach to acute metabolic acidosis starts with proper history taking and examination. This is followed by assessment of acid-base parameters, including pH, partial pressure of CO2, and bicarbonate concentration in arterial blood. Blood gas is needed to differentiate primary metabolic acidosis from compensated respiratory alkalosis. Once the diagnosis of a metabolic acidosis has been confirmed, serum electrolyte values are used to determine the serum anion gap. The various causes of increased and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis have been discussed in the article. The main aim of treatment in metabolic acidosis is to reverse the primary pathophysiology. In acute metabolic acidosis, sodium bicarbonate therapy is not beneficial due to potential complications and is reserved for specific situations. Base therapy is used in chronic metabolic acidosis where it ameliorates many of its untoward effects. Other modalities of treatment of metabolic acidosis include peritoneal or haemodialysis and tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane.

Effects of topiramate therapy on serum bicarbonate concentration in a sample of 10,279 veterans.

Topiramate, which is increasingly being used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), is commonly associated with reduced serum bicarbonate concentrations. However, estimates of the prevalence and magnitude of this effect are from small samples and do not address whether topiramate's effects on acid-base balance differ in the presence of an AUD or by topiramate dosage. Veterans Health Administration electronic health record (EHR) data were used to identify patients with a minimum of 180 days of topiramate prescription for any indication and a propensity score-matched control group. We differentiated patients into two subgroups based on the presence of a diagnosis of AUD in the EHR. Baseline alcohol consumption was determined using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores in the EHR. Analysis also included a three-level measure representing mean daily dosage. The topiramate-associated changes in serum bicarbonate concentration were estimated in difference-in-differences linear regression models. A serum bicarbonate concentration <17 mEq/L was considered to represent possible clinically significant metabolic acidosis. The cohort comprised 4287 topiramate-treated patients and 5992 propensity score-matched controls with a mean follow-up period of 417 days. The mean topiramate-associated reductions in serum bicarbonate concentration were <2mEq/L in the low (≤88.75), medium (>88.75 and ≤141.70), and high (>141.70) mg/day dosage tertiles, irrespective of AUD history. Concentrations <17 mEq/L occurred in 1.1% of topiramate-treated patients and 0.3% of controls and were not associated with alcohol consumption or an AUD diagnosis. The excess prevalence of metabolic acidosis associated with topiramate treatment does not differ with dosage, alcohol consumption, or the presence of an AUD. Baseline and periodic serum bicarbonate concentration measurements are recommended during topiramate therapy. Patients prescribed topiramate should be educated about the symptoms of metabolic acidosis and urged to report their occurrence promptly to a healthcare provider.

Low Serum Bicarbonate in a Patient With Diabetes Mellitus:: A Quiz

Low Serum Bicarbonate in a Patient With Diabetes Mellitus:: A Quiz

Relationship between Dialysate Bicarbonate Concentration and All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: The optimal dialysate bicarbonate concentration (DBIC) for hemodialysis (HD) remains controversial. Herein, we analyzed the effect of dialysate bicarbonate levels on mortality in HD patients. Methods: Patients undergoing maintenance HD were recruited from the HD unit of the Daping Hospital. Patients were categorized into quartiles according to their DBIC level (quartile 1: <31.25 mmol/L, n = 77; quartile 2: 31.25–32.31 mmol/L, n = 76; quartile 3: 32.31–33.6 mmol/L; n = 81; quartile 4: ≥33.6 mmol/L, n = 79). Demographic and clinical data were collected. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the association between DBIC and all-cause mortality. Results: We included 313 patients undergoing maintenance HD with a mean DBIC of 32.16 ± 1.59 mmol/L (range, 27.20–34.72 mmol/L). The patients in quartile 4 were more likely to have higher pre- and post-HD serum bicarbonate concentrations than those in other quartiles. The mortality rate was lowest in quartile 2 (10.53%). The survival time was significantly lower in the quartile 4 group than in the other quartiles (p = 0. 008, log-rank test). After full adjustment, the hazard ratio (per 3 mmol/L higher DBIC) for all-cause mortality was 4.29 (95% confidence interval, 2.11–8.47) in all patients, whereas no significant association was observed between DBIC and initial hospitalization. Conclusions: Our data indicate that DBIC is positively associated with all-cause mortality. A DBIC concentration of 31–32 mmol/L may benefit patient outcomes. This study provides an evidence-based medical basis for optimal dialysis prescription in the future.

Renal fluid and acid/base balance during refeeding in restrictive eating disorders.

Fluid shifts have been ascribed to central diabetes insipidus in patients with anorexia nervosa hospitalized for refeeding. Recent data, however, suggest that vasopressin production is not dysregulated in this population. Our objective was to describe the trajectory of fluid imbalances in relationship to kidney function, electrolyte disturbances, and acid/base balance during refeeding. A retrospective review of daily fluid balance and biochemical values was performed in 70 sequential unique patients admitted to University of California at Los Angeles Hospital Medical Stabilization Program for Eating Disorders from December 2018 to November 2020. Participants (2 males/68 females) were between 10 and 24 years of age and with a median body mass index of 16.1 (14.3, 18.1) kg/m2 . A severe negative fluid balance (>-900 ml/day) was observed in 80% of patients at some point during hospitalization. Serum sodium concentrations were normal on admission and remained stable during refeeding. Serum bicarbonate concentrations were 25 ± 1mEq/dl on admission and increased above the normal range in 31% of patients. Metabolic alkalosis was inversely associated with the development of a negative fluid balance. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was impaired in 54% of patients, improved with refeeding, and was not associated with the development of a severe negative fluid balance or metabolic alkalosis. Chronic energy deprivation alters the physiology of renal fluid and bicarbonate handling in ways that are independent of vasopressin and glomerular filtration. Further studies are warranted to understand the renal adaptations that occur during energy restriction and subsequent refeeding. Massive urinary fluid losses occur in patients with restrictive eating disorders hospitalized for refeeding. In addition, many patients have impaired renal bicarbonate excretion. These findings suggest that chronic energy deprivation impairs the kidney's ability to handle the shifts in fluid and acid/base balance that occur when appropriate oral nutrition is re-introduced.

Association of lactate to albumin ratio and bicarbonate with short-term mortality risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that the ratio of lactate/albumin (L/A) has predictive value for the prognosis of critically ill patients with heart failure. Some studies have also indicated that a low serum bicarbonate concentration is inversely related to the mortality risk of patients with cardiogenic shock. However, the value of bicarbonate and the L/A ratio for predicting the mortality risk of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still unclear. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to research this problem.MethodsThe subjects of this study were patients with AMI, and the data source was the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality after admission. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive value of L/A ratio, lactate and albumin for end-point events. The effects of different L/A ratio levels and different bicarbonate concentrations on 7-day and 30-day all-cause mortality were compared using Kaplan–Meier (K-M) curves. Hazard ratios for different L/A ratio and different bicarbonate concentrations were investigated using COX proportional hazards models.ResultsThe Area Under Curve (AUC) of L/A ratio, lactate, and albumin were 0.736, 0.718, and 0.620, respectively. (1) L/A ratio: The patients were divided into three groups according to their L/A ratio: tertile T1 (L/A ratio ≤ 0.47), tertile T2 (L/A ratio ≤ 0.97), and tertile T3 (L/A ratio > 0.97). The T2 and T3 groups had higher 30-day all-cause mortality risks than the T1 group. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between L/A ratio and 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). (2) Bicarbonate concentration: The patients were also divided into three groups based on their bicarbonate concentration: G1 (22–27 mmol/L), G2 (< 22 mmol/L), and G3 (> 27 mmol/L). The G2 and G3 groups had higher 30-day all-cause mortality risks than the G1 group. The RCS model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between bicarbonate concentration and 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). The RCS model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between hemoglobin level and 30-day all-cause mortality (P < 0.05).ConclusionL/A ratio and bicarbonate concentration and hemoglobin level have predictive value for predicting 30-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction.