[Disorders of the acid-base balance and the anion gap].

The regulation of the acid-base balance and pH is critical for the organism. The most important buffer system is CO2 / HCO3-. The kidney controls systemic bicarbonate and therefore the metabolic regulation and the lung is relevant for respiratory regulation by an effective CO2 elimination. There are four acid-base disorders with two metabolic and two respiratory disorders (acidosis and alkalosis). The anion gap enables a further workup of metabolic acidosis. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.