A low anion gap is usually not a precursor to any disease and is seen mainly in conditions such as hypoproteinemia, diarrhea and malnutrition.
1. Hypoproteinemia: Anions include bicarbonate ions, chloride ions and proteins. Hypoproteinemia patients with reduced plasma protein content, the body for a long time the negative nitrogen balance, so that the colloid osmotic pressure is reduced easy to lead to body edema, resulting in the manifestation of the anion gap is low. Clinical usually inject serum albumin and valine, leucine and other treatment.
2. Diarrhea and malnutrition: may cause water electrolyte disorders, resulting in changes in the body’s ion concentration, manifested as a low anion gap, oral rehydration salts and nutritional support, such as eating protein-rich foods, etc., generally can be relieved. Regular review and follow-up are recommended.
Low anion gap is also seen in other diseases, the patient should consult a doctor in time to clarify the cause of the disease and follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment.