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Was Hoping You Can Help Or Steer Me In The
Question: was hoping you can help or steer me in the right direction. i have noticed since 2013 I have had an elevated anion gap that fluctuates between 15 - 18. On my most recent test these were my values. Chloride - 97 (96 - 106) Sodium - 140 (136 - 146) Bicarbonate - 25 ( 22- 29) Creatinine - 0.91 ( 0.60 - 1.30) Bun - 12 (16-20) i am trying to determine why the anion gap is high as I do not fit into any of the categories. The high anion gap suggests metabolic acidosis but I dont have diabetes or any of the causes of High Anion Gap Acidosis. I also read that metabolic alkalosis could cause small increases in the anion gap but I dont have diarrhea or vomiting so that wouldnt explain it. Another option would be a chronic respitory acidosis with metabolic acidosis but if that were the case I would be critically ill. Any ideas on what may be wrong?
Brief Answer:
Don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I would first like to know why you have done these blood tests. generally, a healthy 36-year person will not be going for these tests.
It is important to know any background illness like diabetes, hypertension, renal disease gastroenterology problem. what all regular medication you are taking. because a lot of these things will affect the anion gap. you have not mentioned the PH in the ABG report which is the first thing to see before you try to diagnose any acid-base disorder.
Please clarify on above points so that I can give any meaningful input.
Best wishes
Don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I would first like to know why you have done these blood tests. generally, a healthy 36-year person will not be going for these tests.
It is important to know any background illness like diabetes, hypertension, renal disease gastroenterology problem. what all regular medication you are taking. because a lot of these things will affect the anion gap. you have not mentioned the PH in the ABG report which is the first thing to see before you try to diagnose any acid-base disorder.
Please clarify on above points so that I can give any meaningful input.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
they run the tests on my annual exam. I never had a ABG done. I just noticed the high anion gap but none of my doctors caught it because the labs are in the reference range. the anion gap is not reported on the lab and the doctor never even looked at it.
I also attached my labs from January. I do have crohns disease which has been in remission and still is as my endoscopies are normal. I also have Gilberts syndrome.
Brief Answer:
reports are fine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your reports i want to inform you that they are perfectly fine.
high anion gap in isolation is just a lab finding and has no clinical relevance. anion gap is important in patients who have metabolic acidosis. so first we should try to diagnose that with ABG or VBG Test.
your tests show slightly low chloride levels and may be they are the cause of this readings. take normal salt intake for few days before your next testing. (5gm salt per day).
lets see what are the results then.
Overall i feel there is no reason to get concerned.
best wishes
reports are fine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your reports i want to inform you that they are perfectly fine.
high anion gap in isolation is just a lab finding and has no clinical relevance. anion gap is important in patients who have metabolic acidosis. so first we should try to diagnose that with ABG or VBG Test.
your tests show slightly low chloride levels and may be they are the cause of this readings. take normal salt intake for few days before your next testing. (5gm salt per day).
lets see what are the results then.
Overall i feel there is no reason to get concerned.
best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
so whats odd is my chloride levels have been like this for atleast 5 years. Are you sure everything is ok?
I also attached labs from 2012 and 2014.
Brief Answer:
Nothing significant
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
since your chloride levels have been like that for years and you have not developed any problems suggests it is not a significant problem.
You have not done ABG ( arterial blood gas ) so we can not rule out the acid-base disorder. But at present, I don't find anything significant in your history or tests to suggest any problem.
best wishes
Nothing significant
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
since your chloride levels have been like that for years and you have not developed any problems suggests it is not a significant problem.
You have not done ABG ( arterial blood gas ) so we can not rule out the acid-base disorder. But at present, I don't find anything significant in your history or tests to suggest any problem.
best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
in regards to an acid based disorder just curious hiw that is possivle with a normal bicarbonate? assuming the only other possivilty would be a mixed disorder but woukdnt I be pretty sick for that to happen? likely being in a hospital?
Brief Answer:
Correct
Detailed Answer:
hi.
yes that is what i am saying. there is no need to worry on these reports as you are fine.
isolated lab reports may not have any significance..
best wishes
Correct
Detailed Answer:
hi.
yes that is what i am saying. there is no need to worry on these reports as you are fine.
isolated lab reports may not have any significance..
best wishes
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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