When our treatment is complicated: an overview of drug-induced acid-base disorders: part 1-acidosis.

Virtually every protein in our bodies binds protons, resulting in a specific electrical charge. If the surrounding proton concentration changes, such as in acidosis or alkalosis, the charge of the protein can change, as well, which in turn can affect protein folding and thus function. Therefore, disturbances of acid-base homeostasis can have serious clinical consequences, and for this reason, the blood pH is usually strictly controlled with the kidneys playing a major part in the long-term maintenance of acid-base homeostasis. Here we review alterations in blood pH that can occur as a side effect of medical treatments, with this first part discussing those resulting in acidosis.