High anion gap metabolic acidosis

High anion gap metabolic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis characterized by a high anion gap (a medical value based on the concentrations of ions in a patient's serum). An anion gap is usually considered to be high if it is over 11 mEq/L.

High anion gap metabolic acidosis is caused generally by the body producing too much acid or not producing enough bicarbonate. This is often due to an increase in lactic acid or ketoacids, or it may be a sign of kidney failure. More rarely, high anion gap metabolic acidosis may be caused by ingesting methanol or overdosing on aspirin. The Delta Ratio is a formula that can be used to assess elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis and to evaluate whether mixed acid base disorder (metabolic acidosis) is present.