Abstract
Background and objectives: This review focuses on three areas, basic acid-base physiology especially concerning hydrogen ion balance, development of acidosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the consequences of acidosis. We highlight what is well established, what is less certain, and what is unknown. Method and results: The literature on acidosis in CKD were searched from 2004 to 2010 utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid to augment the classic work on acid base physiology over the past three decades. The original research in endogenous acid production and net acid excretion were reviewed. Touching upon the development of metabolic acidosis in CKD, we focused on the consequences of chronic metabolic acidosis on growth and other important variables. Finally, we recognize the significant issue of patients’ medical non-compliance and presented treatment strategy to counter this problem. Conclusion: The correction of acidosis in chronic kidney disease needs no advocacy. The case is made conclusively. Patient non-compliance because of the medication that needs to be taken several times a day is a problem, requiring due diligence.