Metabolic alkalosis‑an adverse effect of baking soda misuse: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Baking soda overdose is rarely reported. However, several cases have been previously documented, as baking soda has gained popularity as an over-the-counter remedy. The present study reported the case of a 69-year-old male patient hospitalized with metabolic alkalosis (pH 7.61; bicarbonate levels, 53.2 mEq/l), hypokalemia (K(+) 2.6 mEq/l), acute kidney injury (serum creatinine level 4.02 mg/dl) and hepatic toxicity (alanine transaminase, 955 U/l; aspartate transaminase, 1,091 U/l) in the context of baking soda misuse as an alternative treatment for gout. The patient's past medical history included chronic uric acid nephropathy, gout, arterial hypertension and permanent atrial fibrillation. Under corrective treatment for the hydro-electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, the hepatic injury and inflammation markers were within normal limits; uric acid and creatinine serum levels also decreased.