Metabolic alkalosis natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marufa Marium, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Common complications of Metabolic alkalosis include hypokalemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypophosphatemia, coronary arterial blood flow reduction, arrhythmia, anaerobic glycolysis, reduced ventilation leading to low arterial oxygen saturation, increased CO2, decreased blood flow to cerebral arteries leading to altered mental status, lethargy, tetany, delirium, seizure.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

The mortality rate with metabolic alkalosis is 45% with arterial blood pH 7.55 to 80% with arterial blood pH of 7.65.

Complications

Common complications of Metabolic alkalosis include:
- Electrolyte imbalances: hypokalemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypophosphatemia
- Coronary arterial blood flow reduction leading to angina, refractory arrhythmia
- Anaerobic glycolysis
- Reduced ventilation leading to low arterial oxygen saturation, increased CO2
- Decreased blood flow to cerebral arteries leading to altered mental status, lethargy, tetany, delirium, seizure. .

Prognosis

Early stabilization of patient is associated with the most favorable prognosis.

References

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