Q-3. Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis seen in (AIIMS May 2002)
a) Diarrhoea
b) Renal failure
c) Lactic acidosis
d) Diabetic keto-acidosis
Answer: Diarrhoea
Explanation:
High anion gap metabolic acidosis:
Renal failure
Lactic acidosis
Keto-acidosis: Diabetic, Alcoholic, Starvation
Ingested toxins: Methanol, Salicylates, Ethylene glycol
Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis:
Renal tubular acidosis
Gastro-intestinal bicarbonate loss: Diarrhoea, External pancreatic or small bowel drainage, Uretero-sigmoidostomy
Important point:
Normal anion gap is 10- 12 mmol/l and is mostly due to proteins.