Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid–Base Disorders

Abstract

Disorders of fluids, electrolytes, and acid–base regulation are commonly encountered when dealing with children with renal diseases. The underlying cause is often obvious, and mild disorders can be easily corrected. Complex disorders involving tubular defects are sometimes seen and require careful diagnostic evaluation. This chapter is intended to give a stepwise approach to evaluate disorders of fluids; electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and magnesium; and interpretation of an arterial blood gas and an approach to metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. This chapter contains a lot of tables, boxes, and algorithms to facilitate easy understanding of this complex subject.