Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis – When to use Bicarbonate

The decision whether to give bicarbonate (HCO3-) for metabolic acidosis can be confusing. In some conditions, such as lactic acidosis, bicarbonate has not been shown to be beneficial, may be harmful, and is reserved for very severe acidosis. In other conditions such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) treatment with alkali is recommended to