Unexpected Metabolic Acidosis in Severe Lye Poisoning

Abstract

Metabolic acidosis independent of the ingested poison is a regular finding in severe poisonings associated with shock and hypoxia. In such cases metabolic acidosis is caused by lactate accumulation which leads to lactic acidosis. In contrast there are only a few substances which cause a metabolic acidosis irrespective of the existence of shock [1]. Examples are poisonings by methanol, ethylene glycol, cyanide, and carbon monoxide.