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The anion gap detects unmeasured anions in plasma. AG > 12 mEq/L indicates high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis (DKA, lactic acidosis, toxins — MUDPILES mnemonic).

Formel

Anion gap = (Na) − (Cl + HCO3); Normal range 8–16 mEq/L; High AG suggests metabolic acidosis; Low AG rare, suggests lab error or hyperalbuminemia
Na
Serum sodium (mEq/L (135–145 normal))
Cl
Serum chloride (mEq/L (96–106 normal))
HCO3
Serum bicarbonate (mEq/L (22–26 normal))

Trinn-for-trinn guide

  1. 1AG = Na⁺ − (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻)
  2. 2Normal: 8–12 mEq/L
  3. 3Albumin correction: +2.5 mEq/L per 1g/dL drop in albumin below 4
  4. 4Investigate any AG > 12 mEq/L

Løste eksempler

Inndata
Na 140, Cl 102, HCO₃ 14
Resultat
AG = 24 mEq/L — elevated, investigate

Ofte stilte spørsmål

Why is anion gap important?

Classifies causes of metabolic acidosis (high AG vs normal AG). High AG = organic acids (lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis). Normal AG = chloride-responsive (diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis).

What causes high anion gap acidosis?

Lactic acidosis (sepsis, hypoxia), ketoacidosis (diabetes, alcohol), renal failure, ingestions (salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol). Mnemonic: MUDPILES.

What's the clinical significance?

High AG acidosis suggests serious underlying condition requiring urgent treatment. Normal AG suggests slower process (e.g., diarrhea). Treatment differs by cause.

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