Master Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

When patients have an increased anion gap, there are a particular set of causes, which are classified as MUDPILES. The anion gap is calculated by serum ions and cations, and the equation is [Na+] − ([Cl−] + [HCO3−]) =12 mEq/L. The normal reference range is 8 to 16 mEq/L.

MUDPILES is the acronym to help memorize the common causes of anion gap acidosis: Methanol, Uremia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol, Isoniazid, Iron, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol, Salicylates.

Methanol, commonly found in commercial solvents or poorly made alcoholic beverages can cause an anion gap acidosis. In addition it is extremely toxic to the body, especially to the visual system. Methanol is metabolized to formic acid, which is mostly responsible for ocular toxicity, leading to blindness.

Uremia is a term used to describe the constellation of symptoms which accompany renal failure due to buildup of nitrogenous waste in the blood. Uremia can cause an anion gap metabolic acidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This condition occurs more in patients with Type I DM, but can sometimes occur in those with Type II DM. DKA is a result of insulin deficiency, which stimulates lipoprotein lipase resulting in the breakdown of adipose stores and increased levels of fatty acid oxidation. The oxidation of fatty acids in the hepatic mitochondria produces ketone bodies including acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. These ketone bodies can increase the anion gap.

Propylene glycol is a food additive that is widely used in food and tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In certain medicines, cosmetics, and food products, propylene glycol acts as an emulsifying agent, industrial drying agent, surfactant, and solvent. Large amounts of ingestion can lead to metabolic acidosis with an anion gap.

Iron can cause an acidosis when ingested in excess. It can also lead to stomach ulceration. Common symptoms of iron intoxication include nausea and vomiting. Isoniazid is a medication used for tuberculosis infection and can cause an anion gap acidosis.

Lactic acidosis can cause an anion gap and usually results from dehydration with deficient nutritional resources forcing the body into anaerobic metabolism.

Ethylene glycol can cause anion gap acidosis as well as kidney failure with calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is commonly found in patients who drink anti-freeze solvents.

Salicylates (aspirin) can cause acidosis by acting as an uncoupling agent often resulting in cellular damage. Salicylates also stimulate the brain stem to increase ventilation. Therefore, salicylate toxicity can present as a mixed acid base disorder because salicylates can cause an anion gap metabolic acidosis along with a respiratory alkalosis, creating a mixed acid base disturbance.