Modelling of acid-base equilibria.

A quantitative evaluation of metabolic acid-base component is described. The model is based on Stewart's analysis of acid-base chemistry. The metabolic component of acid-base disturbances is divided into four partial metabolic disorders; they can result from abnormal concentrations of chloride, albumin and phosphate disturbances, or from appearance of abnormal unidentified strong anions. The efficiency of the model is sufficient, quantitative partial results are given in the same units as base excess. In complex acid-base disturbances, such as are seen in critically ill patients, a detailed analysis of the specific components of the metabolic acid-base status allows one to plan specific therapeutic interventions.