Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Contraction alkalosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Contraction alkalosis refers to the increase in blood pH that occurs as a result of fluid losses. The change in pH is especially pronounced with acidic fluid losses caused by problems like vomiting.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Extracellular fluid (ECF) volume contraction is associated with decreased blood volume and decreased renal perfusion pressure. Three compensation mechanisms engage as a result:
- Renin secretion is increased
- Production of angiotensin II is increased
- Secretion of aldosterone is increased
Increases in angiotensin II causes increased Na+-K+ exchange and increased HCO3– (bicarbonate) reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Increased aldosterone secretion causes increased collecting duct – alpha intercalated cell H+ secretion, worsening the metabolic alkalosis. Additionally, increased aldosterone secretion causes increased distal tubule K+ secretion, causing the hypokalemia seen with contraction alkalosis.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment consists of NaCl infusion to correct ECF volume contraction and administration of K+ to replace urinary losses.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]