Acid-Base Homeostasis: Traditional Approach

Traditional approach (or so-called physiological approach) to acid-base interpretation is based on the concept provided by Henderson and Hasselbalch (and the equation provided by them). According to this concept, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and bicarbonate ion (HCO3−) in plasma are the two independent predictors of acid-base homeostasis, and any changes in their plasma concentration produces respiratory and metabolic disorders, respectively. This approach provides a number of empirical formulae to further interpret the presence of multiple acid-base disorders (if any). Despite its several limitations, this approach still remains the most widely used acid-base interpretation tool across the globe for its familiarity amongst practitioners and its ability to interpret vast majority of acid-base disorders.