Metabolic Alkalosis

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Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis may be most conveniently subdivided into chloride resistant and chloride sensitive types. Chloride sensitive metabolic alkalosis occurs when Cl $\ensuremath{^-}$ is lost in excess of Na $\ensuremath{^+}$ . Chloride resistant metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is direct stimulation of renal HCO $\ensuremath {_3^-}$ reabsorbtion.

**Table 12:** Different types of Metabolic alkalosis
	Cause	Urinary Cl $\ensuremath{^-}$
Chloride Sensitive	Cl $\ensuremath{^-}$ lost in excess of Na $\ensuremath{^+}$	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$ $\ensuremath{< 10--20\ mmol}$
Chloride Resistant	Excess renal HCO $\ensuremath {_3^-}$ loss	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$ $\ensuremath{> 10--20\ mmol}$

The most common type seen in surgical practice is chloride sensitive, due to loss of upper gastro-intestinal secretions.

Subsections

Chloride Sensitive Metabolic Alkalosis
Chloride Resistant Metabolic Alkalosis:

Adrian P. Ireland