Chempath 3: Acid base disorders

Question 1

Which acid/base disorder do you get in pyloric stenosis ?

Answer 1

Hypokalaemic hypochloraemic Metabolic Alkalosis

Question 2

What happens to HCO3 in Pyloric stenosis and why ?

Answer 2

HCO3 increases because of relative fluid loss in vomiting. Also carbonic acid dissociates and only the H+ ions are lost, HCO3 is retained.

H+ further decreases due to exchange for intracellular K+ to adjust the hypokalaemia.