Sodium Bicarbonate to Correct Base Deficit

Sodium Bicarbonate is only useful when correcting severe metabolic acidosis - pH less than 7.2 or so.

But, how much should we give?

One useful calculation is using base deficit and patient's weight in kg.

Current Base deficit - desired base deficit   = number of amps of NaHCO3

 0.5 x wt in kg                                     

The desired (target) base deficit should be less than zero to avoid overcorrecting the patient.


from Dr. Dorion Wiley