Crit Care Resusc
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To review the term hyperchloraemic acidosis. ⋯ The use of the term hyperchloraemic acidosis is a misnomer as the chloride ion may be elevated or depressed in the absence of an acid bade abnormality.
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To review the mechanisms of metabolic acidosis in sepsis. ⋯ Understanding the effects of acid-base on the inflammatory response is relevant as all forms of metabolic acidosis appear to be associated with prolonged hospital and ICU length of stay. Since metabolic acidosis is both commonly caused and treated by clinicians, understanding of the physiologic consequences of altered blood pH is imperative.