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Hyperchloremia

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Hyperchloremia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of the chloride ion in the blood. The normal serum range for chloride is 97 to 107 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia is defined as a chloride concentration exceeding this level.

Causes

Elevations in chloride may be associated with diarrhea, certain kidney diseases, and overactivity of the parathyroid glands. Hyperchloremia is often comorbid with diabetes or hyponatremia. Certain drugs, especially diuretics such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hormonal treatments, and polypharmacy, may contribute to this disorder.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Often hyperchloremia does not produce any symptoms. However, hyperchloremia is sometimes associated with excess fluid loss such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the sufferer is a diabetic, hyperchloremia may lead to poor control of blood sugar levels, causing them to become elevated. Hyperchloremia can be symptomatic with signs of Kussmaul breathing, weakness, and intense thirst.

References


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Classification

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Pathophysiology

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Causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

Elevations in chloride may be associated with diarrhea, certain kidney diseases, and overactivity of the parathyroid glands. Hyperchloremia is often comorbid with diabetes or hyponatremia. Certain drugs, especially diuretics such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hormonal treatments, and polypharmacy, may contribute to this disorder.

Causes

Causes by Organ System

Cardiovascular No underlying causes
Chemical / poisoning Drugs
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect No underlying causes
Ear Nose Throat No underlying causes
Endocrine Hyperparathyroidism
Environmental No underlying causes
Gastroenterologic Ileul loops, Loss of pancreatic secretion, Prolonged diarrhea, Ureteral colonic anastomosis
Genetic No underlying causes
Hematologic No underlying causes
Iatrogenic No underlying causes
Infectious Disease No underlying causes
Musculoskeletal / Ortho No underlying causes
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional / Metabolic Dehydration, Hypernatremia, Metabolic acidosis
Obstetric/Gynecologic No underlying causes
Oncologic No underlying causes
Opthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose / Toxicity Drugs
Psychiatric No underlying causes
Pulmonary Respiratory alkalosis
Renal / Electrolyte Artifact (low anion gap), Dehydration, Hypernatremia, Metabolic acidosis, Nephrotic syndrome, Renal failure, Renal tubular acidosis, Respiratory alkalosis
Rheum / Immune / Allergy No underlying causes
Sexual No underlying causes
Trauma No underlying causes
Urologic Nephrotic syndrome, Renal failure, Renal tubular acidosis, Ureteral colonic anastomosis
Miscellaneous No underlying causes

Causes in Alphabetical Order

References

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Differentiating Hyperchloremia from other Diseases

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Epidemiology and Demographics

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Risk Factors

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

Related Chapters

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