The blood gas variables recorded and the patients’
ranges and median values are presented in Table 3. There
was a correlation (p < 0.0002) between the base excess
and the amount of chloride administered (Figure 1). A
correlation was also found between the amount of
chloride administered and the change in bicarbonate (p
< 0.0002) (Figure 2), pH (p < 0.006), and sodium chloride
difference (p < 0.0001). A correlation was also noted
between the total amount of chloride administered and
the serum chloride concentration (p < 0.006). No
significant correlation was found between the remainingbiochemical variables (potassium, lactate, phosphate,
albumin) and the amount of chloride administered.