Organic acidosis in infants.

Any child or adult who has persistent acidosis after apparently adequate treatment should be suspected of having an organic aciduria, as should any person with a large anion gap and acidosis. The possibility that some can presently be treated, makes early diagnosis urgent. Acidosis occurs in hypoperfused states, and treatment of the hypoperfusion with half- to two-thirds-strength of physiological saline with 40 mEq/1 of potassium may correct the acidosis without there being any need to use bicarbonate.