Falsely normal anion gap in severe salicylate poisoning caused by laboratory interference.
case_report · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 21492961.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.02.023.
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Abstract
Severe salicylate poisoning is classically associated with an anion gap metabolic acidosis. However, high serum salicylate levels can cause false increase of laboratory chloride results on some analyzers. We present 2 cases of life-threatening salicylate poisoning with an apparently normal anion gap caused by an important laboratory interference. These cases highlight that the diagnosis of severe salicylism must be considered in all patients presenting with metabolic acidosis, even in the absence of an increased anion gap.
Medical subject headings
- Acid-Base Equilibrium
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Aspirin
- Clinical Laboratory Techniques
- False Negative Reactions