A Quick Reference on Hyperchloremic Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis results from an increase in the concentration of a strong anion. Metabolic acidosis is divided into hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and high anion gap acidosis based on the changes in the anion gap. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is the result of chloride retention, excessive loss of sodium relative to chloride, or excessive gain of chloride relative to sodium. Clinical signs are related to the underlying disease that accompanies the metabolic acidosis. Treatment of hyperchloremic acidosis is based on addressing the underlying disease process.