Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
-
J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Mar 2000
Lactobacilli and acidosis in children with short small bowel.
In patients with a short small bowel, D-lactic acidemia and D-lactic aciduria are caused by intestinal lactobacilli. The purpose of this study was to obtain a detailed picture of the metabolic acidosis in young children with short small bowel. ⋯ In children with small short bowel and acidosis, the common intestinal flora of mainly lactobacilli abundantly produces D-lactic acid from easily fermentable carbohydrates. Thus, these bacteria directly cause shifts of bicarbonate, pH, and base excess and indirectly cause shifts of the anion gap, as well as hyperventilation. These kinetic parameters are strongly associated.