Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
Loss of gastric acid:
Severe and prolonged potassium deficiency Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid excess Post-hypercapnic alkalosis* |
* Typically in patients with subacute-on-chronic respiratory acidosis, in whom PaCO2 is rapidly reduced through ventilatory support. The plasma bicarbonate falls back to baseline more slowly, leading to a transient metabolic alkalosis.