Bench-to-bedside review: Fundamental principles of acid-base physiology

Abstract

Complex acid–base disorders arise frequently in critically ill patients, especially in those with multiorgan failure. In order to diagnose and treat these disorders better, some intensivists have abandoned traditional theories in favor of revisionist models of acid–base balance. With claimed superiority over the traditional approach, the new methods have rekindled debate over the fundmental principles of acid–base physiology. In order to shed light on this controversy, we review the derivation and application of new models of acid–base balance.

Introduction: Master equations

All modern theories of acid–base balance in plasma are predicated upon thermodynamic equilibrium equations. In an equilibrium theory, one enumerates some property of a system (such as electrical charge, proton number, or proton acceptor sites) and then distributes that property among the various species of the system according to the energetics of that particular system. For example, human plasma consists of fully dissociated ions ('strong ions' such as Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-and lactate), partially dissociated 'weak' acids (such as albumin and phosphate), and volatile buffers (carbonate species). C_B, the total concentration of proton acceptor sites in solution, is given by

Where C is the total concentration of carbonate species proton acceptor sites (in mmol/l), C_i is the concentration of noncarbonate buffer species i (in mmol/l), is the average number of proton acceptor sites per molecule of species i, and D is Ricci's difference function (D = [H⁺] - [OH^-]). Equation 1 may be regarded as a master equation from which all other acid–base formulae may be derived [1].

Assuming that [CO₃^2-] is small, Eqn 1 may be re-expressed:

Similarly, the distribution of electrical charge may be expressed as follows:

Where SID⁺ is the 'strong ion difference' and is the average charge per molecule of species i.

The solution(s) to these master equations require rigorous mathematical modeling of complex protein structures. Traditionally, the mathematical complexity of master Eqn 2 has been avoided by setting ΔC_i = 0, so that ΔCB = Δ[HCO₃^-]. The study of acid–base balance now becomes appreciably easier, simplifying essentially to the study of volatile buffer equilibria.

Stewart equations

Stewart, a Canadian physiologist, held that this simplification is not only unnecessary but also potentially misleading [2,3]. In 1981, he proposed a novel theory of acid–base balance based principally on an explicit restatement of master Eqn 3:

Bicarbonate ion formation equilibrium:

[H⁺] × [HCO₃^-] = K'₁ × S × PCO₂     (4)

Where K'₁ is the apparent equilibrium constant for the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation and S is the solubility of CO₂ in plasma.

Carbonate ion formation equilibrium:

[H⁺] × [CO₃^-2] = K₃ × [HCO₃^-]     (5)

Where K₃ is the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for bicarbonate.

Water dissociation equilibrium:

[H⁺] × [OH^-] = K'_w     (6)

Where K'_w is the autoionization constant for water.

Electrical charge equation:

[SID⁺] = [HCO₃^-] + [A^-] + [CO₃^-2] + [OH^-] - [H⁺]     (7)

Where [SID⁺] is the difference in strong ions ([Na⁺] + [K⁺] - [Cl^-] - [lactate^-]) and [A^-] is the concentration of dissociated weak acids, mostly albumin and phosphate.

Weak acid dissociation equilibrium:

[H⁺] × [A^-] = K_a × [HA]     (8)

Where K_a is the weak acid dissociation constant for HA.

In addition to these five equations based principally on the conservation of electrical charge, Stewart included one additional equation.

Conservation of mass for 'A':

[A_TOT] = [HA] + [A^-]     (9)

Where [A_TOT] is the total concentration of weak acids.

Accordingly, [H⁺] may be determined only if the constraints of all six of the equations are satisfied simultaneously [2,3]. Combining equations, we obtain:

a [H⁺]⁴ + b [H⁺]³ + c [H⁺]² + d [H⁺] + e = 0     (10)

Where a = 1; b = [SID⁺] + K_a; c = {K_a × ([SID⁺] - [A_TOT]) -

K'_w - K'₁ × S × PCO₂}; d = -{K_a × (K'_w + K'₁ × S × PCO₂) -

K₃ × K'₁ × S × PCO₂}; and e = -K_aK₃K'₁S PCO₂.

If we ignore the contribution of the smaller terms in the electrical charge equation (Eqn 7), then Eqn 10 simplifies to become [4]:

In traditional acid–base physiology, [A_TOT] is set equal to 0 and Eqn 11 is reduced to the well-known Henderson–Hasselbalch equation [5,6]. If this simplification were valid, then the plot of pH versus log PCO₂ ('the buffer curve') would be linear, with an intercept equal to log [HCO₃^-]/K'₁ × SCO₂ [7,8]. In fact, experimental data cannot be fitted to a linear buffer curve [4]. As indicated by Eqn 11, the plot of pH versus log PCO₂ is displaced by changes in protein concentration or the addition of Na⁺ or Cl^-, and becomes nonlinear in markedly acid plasma (Fig. 1). These observations suggest that the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation may be viewed as a limiting case of the more general Stewart equation. When [A_TOT] varies, the simplifications of the traditional acid–base model may be unwarranted [9].

Figure 1.

The buffer curve. The line plots of linear in vitro (○, △, ●, ▲) and curvilinear in vivo (dots) log PCO₂ versus pH relationship for plasma. ○, plasma with a protein concentration of 13 g/dl (high [A_TOT]); △, plasma with a high [SID⁺] of 50 mEq/l; ●, plasma with a normal [A_TOT] and [SID⁺]; ▲, plasma with a low [SID⁺] of 25 mEq/l; dots, curvilinear in vivo log PCO₂ versus pH relationship. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SID⁺, strong ion difference. Reproduced with permission from Constable [4].

The Stewart variables

The Stewart equation (Eqn 10) is a fourth-order polynomial equation that relates [H⁺] to three independent variables ([SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂) and five rate constants (K_a, K'_w, K'₁, K₃ and SCO₂), which in turn depend on temperature and ion activities (Fig. 2) [2,3].

Figure 2.

Graph of independent variables (PCO₂, [SID⁺] and [A_TOT]) versus pH. Published values were used for the rate constants K_a, K'_w, K'₁, K₃, and SCO₂. Point A represents [SID⁺] = 45 mEq/l and [A_TOT] = 20 mEq/l, and point B represents [SID⁺] = 40 mEq/l and [A_TOT] = 20 mEq/l. In moving from point A to point B, ΔSID⁺ = AB = base excess. However, if [A_TOT] decreases from 20 to 10 mEq/l (point C), then AC ≠ SID⁺ ≠ base excess. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SCO₂, CO₂ solubility; SID⁺, strong ion difference. Reproduced with permission from Corey [9].

Strong ion difference

The first of these three variables, [SID⁺], can best be appreciated by referring to a 'Gamblegram' (Fig. 3). The 'apparent' strong ion difference, [SID⁺]_a, is given by the following equation:

Figure 3.

Gamblegram – a graphical representation of the concentration of plasma cations (mainly Na⁺ and K⁺) and plasma anions (mainly Cl^-, HCO₃^- and A^-). SIG, strong ion gap (see text).

[SID⁺]_a = [Na⁺] + [K⁺] - [Cl^-] - [lactate] - [other strong anions]     (12)

In normal plasma, [SID⁺]_a is equal to [SID⁺]_e, the 'effective' strong ion difference:

[SID⁺]_e = [HCO₃^-] + [A^-]     (13)

Where [A^-] is the concentration of dissociated weak noncarbonic acids, principally albumin and phosphate.

Strong ion gap

The strong ion gap (SIG), the difference between [SID⁺]_a and [SID⁺]_e, may be taken as an estimate of unmeasured ions:

SIG = [SID⁺]_a - [SID⁺]_e= AG - [A^-]     (14)

Unlike the well-known anion gap (AG = [Na⁺] + [K⁺] - [Cl^-] - [HCO₃^-]) [10], the SIG is normally equal to 0.

SIG may be a better indicator of unmeasured anions than the AG. In plasma with low serum albumin, the SIG may be high (reflecting unmeasured anions), even with a completely normal AG. In this physiologic state, the alkalinizing effect of hypoalbuminemia may mask the presence of unmeasured anions [11-18].

Weak acid buffers

Stewart defined the second variable, [A_TOT], as the composite concentration of the weak acid buffers having a single dissociation constant (K_A = 3.0 × 10^-7) and a net maximal negative charge of 19 mEq/l [2,3]. Because Eqn 9 invokes the conservation of mass and not the conservation of charge, Constable [19] computed [A_TOT] in units of mass (mmol/l) rather than in units of charge (mEq/l), and found that [A_TOT (mmol/l)] = 5.72 ± 0.72 [albumin (g/dl)].

Although thermodynamic equilibrium equations are independent of mechanism, Stewart asserted that his three independent parameters ([SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂) determine the only path by which changes in pH may arise (Fig. 4). Furthermore, he claimed that [SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂ are true biologic variables that are regulated physiologically through the processes of transepithelial transport, ventilation, and metabolism (Fig. 5).

Figure 4.

Stewart's 'independent variables' ([SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂), along with the water dissociation constant (K'_w), determine the 'dependent' variables [H⁺] and [HCO₃^-]. When [A_TOT] = 0, Stewart's model simplifies to the well-known Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SID⁺, strong ion difference.

Figure 5.

The Stewart model. pH is regulated through manipulation of the three Stewart variables: [SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂. These variables are in turn 'upset', 'regulated', or 'modified' by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the liver, the kidneys, the tissue circulation, and the intracellular buffers. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SID⁺, strong ion difference.

Base excess

In contrast to [SID⁺], the 'traditional' parameter base excess (BE; defined as the number of milliequivalents of acid or base that are needed to titrate 1 l blood to pH 7.40 at 37°C while the PCO₂ is held constant at 40 mmHg) provides no further insight into the underlying mechanism of acid–base disturbances [20,21]. Although BE is equal to ΔSID⁺when nonvolatile buffers are held constant, BE is not equal to ΔSID⁺ when nonvolatile acids vary. BE read from a standard nomogram is then not only physiologically unrevealing but also numerically inaccurate (Fig. 2) [1,9].

The Stewart theory: summary

The relative importance of each of the Stewart variables in the overall regulation of pH can be appreciated by referring to a 'spider plot' (Fig. 6). pH varies markedly with small changes in PCO₂ and [SID⁺]. However, pH is less affected by perturbations in [A_TOT] and the various rate constants [19].

Figure 6.

Spider plot of the dependence of plasma pH on changes in the three independent variables ([SID⁺], PCO₂, and [A_TOT]) and five rate constants (solubility of CO₂ in plasma [S], apparent equilibrium constant [K'₁], effective equilibrium dissociation constant [K_a], apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for HCO₃^- [K'₃], and ion product of water [K'_w]) of Stewart's strong ion model. The spider plot is obtained by systematically varying one input variable while holding the remaining input variables at their normal values for human plasma. The influence of S and K'₁ on plasma pH cannot be separated from that of PCO₂, inasmuch as the three factors always appear as one expression. Large changes in two factors (K'₃ and K'_w) do not change plasma pH. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SID⁺, strong ion difference. Reproduced with permission from Constable [19].

In summary, in exchange for mathematical complexity the Stewart theory offers an explanation for anomalies in the buffer curve, BE, and AG.

The Figge–Fencl equations

Based on the conservation of mass rather than conservation of charge, Stewart's [A_TOT] is the composite concentration of weak acid buffers, mainly albumin. However, albumin does not exhibit the chemistry described by Eqn 9 within the range of physiologic pH, and so a single, neutral [AH] does not actually exist [22]. Rather, albumin is a complex polyampholyte consisting of about 212 amino acids, each of which has the potential to react with [H⁺].

From electrolyte solutions that contained albumin as the sole protein moiety, Figge and coworkers [23,24] computed the individual charges of each of albumin's constituent amino acid groups along with their individual pKa values. In the Figge–Fencl model, Stewart's [A_TOT] term is replaced by [Pi^x-] and [Pr^y-] (the contribution of phosphate and albumin to charge balance, respectively), so that the four independent variables of the model are [SID⁺], PCO₂, [P_i^x-], and [Pr^y-].

Omitting the small terms

[SID⁺] - [HCO₃^-] - [Pi^x-] - [Pr^y-] = 0     (15)

The Figge–Fencl equation is as follows [25]:

SID⁺ + 1000 × ([H⁺] - Kw/ [H⁺] - Kc1 × PCO₂/

[H⁺] - Kc1 × Kc2 × PCO₂/ [H⁺]²) - [Pi_tot] × Z

+ {-1/(1 + 10^{- [pH-8.5]})

- 98/(1 + 10^{- [pH-4.0]})

- 18/(1 + 10^{- [pH-10.9]})

+ 24/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-12.5]})

+ 6/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.8]})

+ 53/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-10.0]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.12+NB]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.22+NB]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.10+NB]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.49+NB]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.01+NB]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-7.31]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.75]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.36]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-4.85]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-5.76]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.17]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.73]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-5.82]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.70]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-4.85]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-6.00]})

+ 1/(1 + 10^{+ [pH-8.0]})

- 1/(1 + 10^{- [pH-3.1]})} × 1000 × 10 × [Alb]/66500 = 0     (16)

Where [H⁺] = 10^-pH; Z = (K1 × [H⁺]² + 2 × K1 × K2 × [H⁺] +

3 × K1 × K2 × K3)/([H⁺]³ + K1 × [H⁺]² +

K1 × K2 × [H⁺] + K1 × K2 × K3); and NB = 0.4 × (1 - 1/(1 + 10 ^[pH-6.9])).

The strong ion difference [SID⁺] is given in mEq/l, PCO₂ is given in torr, the total concentration of inorganic phosphorus containing species [Pi_tot] is given in mmol/l and [Alb] is given in g/dl. The various equilibrium constants are Kw = 4.4 × 10^-14 (Eq/l)²; Kc1 = 2.46 × 10^-11 (Eq/l)²/torr; Kc2 = 6.0 × 10^-11 (Eq/l); K1 = 1.22 × 10^-2 (mol/l); K2 = 2.19 × 10^-7 (mol/l); and K3 = 1.66 × 10^-12(mol/l).

Watson [22] has provided a simple way to understand the Figge–Fencl equation. In the pH range 6.8–7.8, the pKa values of about 178 of the amino acids are far from the normal pH of 7.4. As a result, about 99 amino acids will have a fixed negative charge (mainly aspartic acid and glutamic acid) and about 79 amino acids will have a fixed positive charge (mostly lysine and arginine), for a net fixed negative charge of about 21 mEq/mol. In addition to the fixed charges, albumin contains 16 histidine residues whose imidazole groups may react with H⁺ (variable charges).

The contribution of albumin to charge, [Pr^x-], can then be determined as follows:

[Pr^x-] = 21- (16 × [1 - α_pH]) × 10,000/66,500 × [albumin (g/dl)]     (17)

Where 21 is the number of 'fixed' negative charges/mol albumin, 16 is the number of histidine residues/mol albumin, and α_pH is the ratio of unprotonated to total histadine at a given pH. Equation 17 yields identical results to the more complex Figge–Fencl analysis.

Linear approximations

In the linear approximation taken over the physiologic range of pH, Eqn 16 becomes

[SID⁺]_e = [HCO₃^-] + [Pr^X-] + [Pi^Y-]     (18)

Where [HCO₃^-] = 1000 × Kcl × PCO₂/(10^-pH); [Pr^X-] = [albumin (g/dl)] (1.2 × pH-6.15) is the contribution of albumin to charge balance; and [Pi^Y-] = [phosphate (mg/dl)] (0.097 × pH-0.13) is contribution of phosphate to charge balance [1,23-25].

Combining equations yields the following:

SIG = AG - [albumin (g/dl)] (1.2 × pH-6.15) - [phosphate (mg/dl)] (0.097 × pH-0.13)     (19)

According to Eqn 18, when pH = 7.40 the AG increases by roughly 2.5 mEq/l for every 1 g/dl decrease in [albumin].

Buffer value

The buffer value (β) of plasma, defined as β = Δbase/ΔpH, is equal to the slope of the line generated by plotting (from Eqn 18) [SID⁺]_e versus pH [9]:

β = 1.2 × [albumin (g/dl)] + 0.097 × [phosphate (mg/dl)]     (20)

When plasma β is low, the ΔpH is higher for any given BE than when β is normal.

The β may be regarded as a central parameter that relates the various components of the Henderson–Hasselbalch, Stewart and Figge–Fencl models together (Fig. 7). When non-carbonate buffers are held constant:

Figure 7.

(a) The effective strong ion difference ([SID⁺]_e; Eqn 18) can be understood as a combination of [HCO₃^-], the buffer value (β) and constant terms. The [HCO₃^-] parameter can be determined from the (b) Henderson–Hasselbalch equation, whereas (d) the buffer value is derived partly from the albumin data of Figge and Fencl (c). When noncarbonate buffers are held constant, Δ[SID⁺]_e is equal to the base excess (BE). (e) In physiologic states with a low β, BE may be an insensitive indicator of important acid–base processes. (f) The strong ion gap (SIG), which quantifies 'unmeasured anions', can be calculated from the anion gap (AG) and β. In physiological states with a low β, unmeasured anions may be present (high SIG) even with a normal AG.

BE = Δ[SID⁺]_e= Δ[HCO₃^-] + βΔpH     (21)

When non-carbonate buffers vary, BE = Δ[SID⁺]_e'; that is, [SID⁺]_a referenced to the new weak buffer concentration.

The Figge–Fencl equations: summary

In summary, the Figge–Fencl model relates the traditional to the Stewart parameters and provides equations that permit β, [SID⁺]_e, and SIG to be calculated from standard laboratory measurements.

The Wooten equations

Acid–base disorders are usually analyzed in plasma. However, it has long been recognized that the addition of hemoglobin [Hgb], an intracellular buffer, to plasma causes a shift in the buffer curve (Fig. 8) [26]. Therefore, BE is often corrected for [Hgb] using a standard nomogram [20,21,27].

Figure 8.

The effect of hemoglobin (Hb) on the 'buffer curve': (left) in vitro and (right) in vivo. PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension. Reproduced with permission from Davenport [26].

Wooten [28] developed a multicompartmental model that 'corrects' the Figge–Fencl equations for [Hgb]:

β = (1 - Hct) 1.2 × [albumin (g/dl)] + (1 - Hct) 0.097 × [phosphate (mg/dl)] + 1.58 [Hgb (g/dl)] + 4.2 (Hct)     (22)

[SID⁺]_{effective, blood} = (1 - 0.49 × Hct) [HCO₃^-] +

(1 - Hct)(C_alb [1.2 × pH-6.15] + C_phos [0.097 ×

pH-0.13]) + C_Hgb (1.58 × pH-11.4) + Hct (4.2 × pH-3.3)     (23)

With C_alb and C_Hgb expressed in g/dl and C_phos in mg/dl.

In summary, the Wooten model brings Stewart theory to the analysis of whole blood and quantitatively to the level of titrated BE.

Application of new models of acid–base balance

In order to facilitate the implementation of the Stewart approach at the bedside, Watson [29] has developed a computer program (AcidBasics II) with a graphical user interface (Fig. 9). One may choose to use the original Stewart or the Figge–Fencl model, vary any of the rate constants, or adjust the temperature. Following the input of the independent variables, the program automatically displays all of the independent variables, including pH, [HCO₃^-] and [A^-]. In addition, the program displays SIG, BE, and a 'Gamblegram' (for an example, see Fig. 3).

Figure 9.

AcidBasics II. With permission from Dr Watson.

One may classify acid–based disorders according to Stewart's three independent variables. Instead of four main acid–base disorders (metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis), there are six disorders based on consideration of PCO₂, [SID⁺], and [A_TOT] (Table 1). Disease processes that may be diagnosed using the Stewart approach are listed in Table 2.

Table 1.

Classification of acid–base disorders

Stewart variables/constants	Classification	Acidosis	Alkalosis
PCO2	Respiratory	↑	↓
[SID+]	Metabolic
Chloride excess/deficit		↓	↑
Strong ion gap		↑
[ATOT]a	Modulator
Extracellular
Albumin		↑	↓
Phosphate		↑	↓
Intracellularb
Hgb		↑	↓
DPG		↑	↓
Rate constants	Modulator
(Ka, K'w, K'1, K3, and SCO2)
Temperaturec		↓	↑

^aChanges in [A_TOT] modulate and do not necessarily cause acid–base disorders. ^bResult in negligible changes in pH. ^cMay be clinically significant in hypothermia. [A_TOT], total concentration of weak acids; DPG, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate; Hgb, hemoglobin; PCO₂, partial CO₂ tension; SCO₂, CO₂ solubility; SID⁺, strong ion difference.

Table 2.

Disease states classified according to the Stewart approach

Acid–base disturbance	Disease state	Examples
Metabolic alkalosis	Low serum albumin	Nephrotic syndrome, hepatic cirrhosis
	High SID+	Chloride loss: vomiting, gastric drainage, diuretics, post-hypercapnea, Cl- wasting diarrhea due to villous adenoma, mineralocorticoid excess, Cushing's syndrome, Liddle's syndrome, Bartter's syndrome, exogenous corticosteroids, licorice Na2+ load (such as acetate, citrate, lactate): Ringer's solution, TPN, blood transfusion
Metabolic acidosis	Low SID+ and high SIG	Ketoacids, lactic acid, salicylate, formate, methanol
	Low SID+ and low SIG	RTA, TPN, saline, anion exchange resins, diarrhea, pancreatic losses

RTA, renal tubular acidosis; SIG, strong ion gap; SID⁺, strong ion difference; TPN, total parenteral nutrition.

Example

Normal plasma may be defined by the following values: pH = 7.40, PCO₂ = 40.0 torr, [HCO₃^-] = 24.25 mmol/l, [albumin] = 4.4 g/dl, phosphate = 4.3 mg/dl, sodium = 140 mEq/l, potassium = 4 mEq/l, and chloride = 105 mEq/l. The corresponding values for 'traditional' and 'Stewart' acid–base parameters are listed in Table 3.

Table 3.

An example of Stewart formulae (Eqns 18–21) in practice

Parameter	Control	Case 1	Case 2
BE (mEq/l)	0	-10	-10
AG (mEq/l)	14.8	14.8	14.8
β	5.7	5.7	2.2
BEcorrected	0	-10.6	-10.2
[SID+]e (mEq/l)	39	29	20.7
[SID+]a (mEq/l)	39	29	29
SIG (mEq/l)	0	0	8.3

AF, anion gap; β, buffer value; BE, base excess; SID⁺, strong ion difference; SIG, strong ion gap.

Consider a hypothetical 'case 1' with pH = 7.30, PCO₂ = 30.0 torr, [HCO₃^-] = 14.25 mmol/l, Na²⁺ = 140 mEq/l, K⁺ = 4 mEq/l, Cl^- = 115 mEq/l, and BE = -10 mEq/l. The 'traditional' interpretation based on BE and AG is a 'normal anion gap metabolic acidosis' with respiratory compensation. The Stewart interpretation based on [SID⁺]_e and SIG is 'low [SID⁺]_e/normal SIG' metabolic acidosis and respiratory compensation. The Stewart approach 'corrects' the BE read from a nomogram for the 0.6 mEq/l acid load 'absorbed' by the noncarbonate buffers. In both models, the differential diagnosis for the acidosis includes renal tubular acidosis, diarrhea losses, pancreatic fluid losses, anion exchange resins, and total parenteral nutrition (Tables 2 and 3).

Now consider a hypothetical 'case 2' with the same arterial blood gas and chemistries but with [albumin] = 1.5 g/dl. The 'traditional' interpretation and differential diagnosis of the disorder remains unchanged from 'case 1' because BE and AG have not changed. However, the Stewart interpretation is low [SID⁺]_e/high SIG metabolic acidosis and respiratory compensation. Because of the low β, the ΔpH is greater for any given BE than in 'case 1'. The Stewart approach corrects BE read from a nomogram for the 0.2 mEq/l acid load 'absorbed' by the noncarbonate buffers. The differential diagnosis for the acidosis includes ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, salicylate intoxication, formate intoxication, and methanol ingestion (Tables 2 and 3).

Summary

All modern theories of acid–base balance are based on physiochemical principles. As thermodynamic state equations are independent of path, any convenient set of parameters (not only the one [s] used by nature) may be used to describe a physiochemical system. The traditional model of acid–base balance in plasma is based on the distribution of proton acceptor sites (Eqn 1), whereas the Stewart model is based on the distribution of electrical charge (Eqn 2). Although sophisticated and mathematically equivalent models may be derived from either set of parameters, proponents of the 'traditional' or 'proton acceptor site' approach have advocated simple formulae whereas proponents of the Stewart 'electrical charge' method have emphasized mathematical rigor.

The Stewart model examines the relationship between the movement of ions across biologic membranes and the consequent changes in pH. The Stewart equation relates changes in pH to changes in three variables, [SID⁺], [A_TOT] and PCO₂. These variables may define a biologic system and so may be used to explain any acid–base derangement in that system.

Figge and Fencl further refined the model by analyzing explicitly each of the charged residues of albumin, the main component of [A_TOT]. Wooten extended these observations to multiple compartments, permitting the consideration of both extracellular and intracellular buffers.

In return for mathematical complexity, the Stewart model 'corrects' the 'traditional' computations of buffer curve, BE, and AG for nonvolative buffer concentration. This may be important in critically ill, hypoproteinuric patients.

Conclusion

Critics note that nonvolatile buffers contribute relatively little to BE and that a 'corrected' AG (providing similar information to the SIG) may be calculated without reference to Stewart theory by adding about 2.5 × (4.4 - [albumin]) to the AG.

To counter these and other criticisms, future studies need to demonstrate the following: the validity of Stewart's claim that his unorthodox parameters are the sole determinants of pH in plasma; the prognostic significance of the Stewart variables; the superiority of the Stewart parameters for patient management; and the concordance of the Stewart equations with experimental data obtained from ion transporting epithelia.

In the future, the Stewart model may be improved through a better description of the electrostatic interaction of ions and polyelectroles (Poisson–Boltzman interactions). Such interactions are likely to have an important effect on the electrical charges of the nonvolatile buffers. For example, a detailed analysis of the pH-dependent interaction of albumin with lipids, hormones, drugs, and calcium may permit further refinement of the Figge–Fencl equation [25].

Perhaps most importantly, the Stewart theory has reawakened interest in quantitative acid–base chemistry and has prompted a return to first principles of acid–base physiology.

Abbreviations

AG = anion gap; [A_TOT] = total concentration of weak acids; BE = base excess; PCO₂ = partial CO₂ difference; SCO₂ = CO₂ solubility; SID⁺ = strong ion difference; SIG = strong ion gap.

Competing interests

The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.