What is high for anion gap?

Although there are differences between laboratories and assays, the normal anion gap has traditionally been set between 8 mEq/L to 12 mEq/L. If the anion gap is greater than 12, this suggests an increased presence of unmeasured anions.

What are the symptoms of high anion gap?

A high anion gap itself does not produce symptoms, but it may indicate an imbalance in blood acid levels, such as metabolic acidosis….Symptoms

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Rapid and shallow breathing.
• Fatigue.
• Rapid/abnormal heartbeat.
• Low blood pressure.
• Confusion.
• Headaches.

How do you fix high anion gap?

The most common alkalizing agent is sodium bicarbonate, but sodium and potassium citrate are alternative options. In the event of severe, recalcitrant acidosis, it may be appropriate to treat empirically with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors (fomepizole or ethanol) and prepare the patient for emergent hemodialysis.

How do I lower my anion gap?

Lithium is positively charged and is sometimes prescribed for treatment of bipolar disorder. In high concentrations, it can lower the anion gap. Increase in other positively charged ions. A large increase in other positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium, can also lower the anion gap.

Can diet affect anion gap?

Ketogenic diets have been proven to be safe and effective in treating obesity and have shown that patients do not develop anion gap acidosis due to the diet.

Can alcohol cause anion gap?

Alcohol diminishes hepatic gluconeogenesis and leads to decreased insulin secretion, increased lipolysis, impaired fatty acid oxidation, and subsequent ketogenesis, causing an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis High anion gap acidosis Metabolic acidosis is primary reduction in bicarbonate (HCO3−), typically with …

Is 13 a high anion gap?

An anion gap number between 3 and 10 is considered normal. But the “normal” range can vary from person to person, and it may also depend on the methods your lab used to do the test.