nonanion gap metabolic acidosis NAGMA causes


The patient has metabolic acidosis with a low serum bicarbonate level and low Paco2. The anion gap is normally between 8 and 12, and this patient has an anion gap of 10. Therefore, she has a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis (or nonanion gap acidosis). This is also called hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis because the serum chloride level is elevated with a low serum bicarbonate level.

The differential diagnosis for a normal anion gap, or hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, is broad and includes GI losses (from diarrhea, pancreatitis, or intestinal fistulas), intrinsic renal tubular acidoses, and drugs (acetazolamide, angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors, cyclosporine, trimethoprim, or potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone).

USED CARP

  • ureterostomy
  • small bowel fistula: lose bicarb
  • extra chloride
  • diarrhea: lose bicarb
  • carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: causes bicarb diuresis
    • acetazolamide mostly used for glaucoma
    • topiramate: used for seizures and migraines
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • RTA
  • pancreatic fistula
  • propylene glycol: ativan, diazepam preparations

Other medications can cause NAGAM from interstitial nephritis or RTA: