Afro-Egypt J Infect  Endem  Dis  2015 March ; 5(1):24-32

 

Study of Acid-Base Disturbances in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis                               

 

Nouh MA, Mohamed HI, Masoud BME, Yassin AA 

Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

abdoyassen1983@ yahoo.com

 

ABSTRACT

Background and study aim : Acid base disturbances occur frequently in the setting of liver diseases. As liver’s metabolic function worsen, particularly in the setting of renal dysfunction, haemodynamic compromise, and hepatic encephalopathy, acid base disorders ensue. The aim of this study was to assess acid base disturbances in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 cirrhotic patients, as well as 20 healthy persons of matched age and sex as a control group. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was done by clinical examination, ultrasonographic findings and laboratory investigations. Patients and controls were subjected to the following:Full history taking, Thorough clinical examination, Abdominal ultrasound examination, Laboratory investigations including: CBC, Liver function tests, serum creatinine, Arterial blood gases to evaluate blood PH, HCO₃, pressure of carbon dioxide and pressure of oxygen.

Results: There was highly significant difference in PH, PCO₂, PO₂, and HCO₃ and SO₂ between both groups. The common acid base disorder was respiratory alkalosis. However, other disorders can be seen. Change in acid base balance was as following: Child's A group; no change in acid base balance. Child's B group; 75% no changes in acid base balance with 20% respiratory alkalosis and 5% metabolic alkalosis. Child's C group; 70% respiratory alkalosis with 15% respiratory acidosis and 15% metabolic alkalosis.

Conclusion: These result declare the presence of multiple and mixed acid base disorder in cirrhotic patients