Clinical Advances in Acid-base Physiology and Hydroelectrolyte Balance

Acid-base equilibrium is essential for human homeostasis, enzymatic function, metabolic reactions, and electrical conductivity. Disruption in acid-base equilibrium is frequent in critically ill patients and can severely impact their clinical trajectory. Understanding acid-base balance is thereby fundamental for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. However, interpretation of acid-base status remains a matter of debate: the standard approach based on bicarbonate and base excess focuses on the role of buffers and remains a pillar for many clinicians. On the other hand, the physical-chemical approach has introduced the concept of strong ion difference highlighting the key link between acid-base equilibrium and water-electrolytes status, with interesting clinical applications. Recently, the two approaches have been combined to help the interpretation of mixed disorders encountered during complex scenarios of critical illness, including intravenous infusions and renal replacement therapies. Overall, this field of research is constantly evolving, and novel clinical applications continue to emerge.

The aim of this Research Topic is to offer up-to-date reviews and original research on how different approaches to acid-base and water-electrolytes equilibria can be applied at the bedside to interpret and treat clinical scenarios of critical illness.

To advance understanding in this vital area, we invite contributions in the forms of Original Research and Systematic Review articles that tackle the clinical application of acid-base physiology and electrolyte management in critically ill patients. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

• Interpretation and treatment implications of individual variables such as bicarbonate, base excess, and strong ion difference.

• Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances in specific critical illnesses like renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane therapies.

• Evaluation of classical and contemporary acid-base models in current medical practice.

• Innovative interpretations and treatments concerning acid-base and electrolyte imbalances.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Acid-base equilibrium, Blood gas analysis, Electrolytes, Fluid balance, Continous renal replacement therapy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.