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Table 37.7

Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis

Loss of gastric acid:

Diuretic therapy

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.