Hypernatremic chloride-depletion metabolic alkalosis successfully treated with high cation-gap amino acids: a case report.

Abstract

Normal saline (NS) is recommended for the treatment of chloride-depletion alkalosis (CDA). However, its use in patients with drinking water restrictions or fluid volume deficiencies may lead to hypernatremia. We report the case of a 42-year-old Japanese man with ileus due to sigmoidal volvulus, who presented with CDA. After endoscopic decompression, NS was administered to treat the CDA. Despite the administration of NS, CDA persisted and hypernatremia developed. The infusion was then changed to high cation-gap amino acids (HCG-AA), which improved both metabolic alkalosis and hypernatremia. Thus, HCG-AA may be useful for the treatment of hypernatremia in patients with CDA.