Question

The classic electrolyte and acid-base imbalance associated with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is ______.

Answer 1

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis typically leads to hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting and loss of gastric acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The classic electrolyte and acid-base imbalance associated with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. This condition occurs due to prolonged vomiting that leads to an excessive loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in gastric juice. As a consequence, there is a loss of Cl-, an increase in blood pH (alkalosis), and a secondary compensation by the kidneys to conserve bicarbonate (HCO3-), leading to the typical blood gas findings in this disorder. Addressing the underlying obstruction, often by surgical intervention such as a pyloromyotomy, is essential for correcting the imbalance.