An unusual cause of metabolic alkalosis: hiding in plain sight

BMC Nephrology

Mohamad Hanouneh¹  Carmen Elena Cervantes¹  Bernard G. Jaar¹  Steven Menez¹ 

[1]Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

关键词: Metabolic alkalosis;    Hypokalemia;    Baking soda;    Sodium bicarbonate;    Toxicity;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12882-020-01967-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Sodium bicarbonate, in the form of baking soda, is widely used as a home remedy, and as an additive for personal and household cleaning products. Its toxicity has previously been reported following oral ingestion in the setting of dyspepsia. However, its use as a non-ingested agent, like a toothpaste additive, has not been reported as a potential cause of toxicity. Case presentation We are reporting a case of an 80-year-old woman who presented with chronic metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia secondary to exogenous alkali exposure from baking soda as a toothpaste additive, which might have represented an underreported ingestion of the substance. Conclusions Considering that one teaspoon of baking soda provides approximately 59 m-equivalents (mEq) of bicarbonate, specific questioning on its general use should be pursued in similar cases of chloride resistant metabolic alkalosis.

【 授权许可】

Unknown