Validation of a method to partition the base deficit in meningococcal sepsis: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The base deficit is a useful tool for quantifying total acid-base derangement, but cannot differentiate between various aetiologies. The Stewart-Fencl equations for strong ions and albumin have recently been abbreviated; we hypothesised that the abbreviated equations could be applied to the base deficit, thus partitioning this parameter into three components (the residual being the contribution from unmeasured anions).

Methods

The two abbreviated equations were applied retrospectively to blood gas and chemistry results in 374 samples from a cohort of 60 children with meningococcal septic shock (mean pH 7.31, mean base deficit -7.4 meq/L). Partitioning required the simultaneous measurement of plasma sodium, chloride, albumin and blood gas analysis.

Results

SUBMITTER: O'Dell E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1269470 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature