What's on this Page
What are the potential benefits of treating metabolic acidosis and what is the target bicarbonate level?
The prevalence of metabolic acidosis (serum HCO – 3 < 22) increases as CKD progresses.
Chronic metabolic acidosis in CKD is associated with adverse consequences such as increased muscle catabolism, bone reabsorption, systemic inflammation, impaired myocardial contractility, and increased mortality. It is also associated with a higher risk of progressive loss of kidney function.
What is the target bicarbonate level?
Patients with metabolic acidosis can be treated with alkali therapy to maintain bicarbonate in the normal range (23 to 29 mEq/L).
Options include sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and alkali-rich diets (fruits and vegetables). Therapy with bicarbonate slowed progression of CKD in multiple single-center trials.
