Why would my anion gap be low?

If your results show a low anion gap, it may mean you have a low level of albumin, a protein in the blood. Low albumin may indicate kidney problems, heart disease, or some types of cancer.

How is anion gap treated?

Primary treatment of high anion gap metabolic acidosis requires correction of the underlying cause. In mild to moderate acidosis, treatment could be limited to supportive measures including intravenous fluids and respiratory support.

Can a low anion gap be normal?

Keep in mind that even if your anion gap is high or low, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious health problem. An anion gap number between 3 and 10 is considered normal. But the “normal” range can vary from person to person, and it may also depend on the methods your lab used to do the test.

What cancers cause low anion gap?

What does it mean if your Anion Gap result is too low? A low anion gap level is rare and indicates an abnormally high level of positively charged molecules. The most common cause of which, is multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of a class of white blood cells called plasma cells.

How do you increase anion gap?

The consumption of bicarbonate by the unmeasured anions will increase the anion gap by lowering the serum bicarbonate level. The total numbers of anions and cations are still equal, but the gap is increased because of a lowering of a measured anion, serum bicarbonate.

What medications can cause a low anion gap?

Drugs
  • Bromide intoxication – bromide interferes with the calculation of the chloride ion concentration and thus, may cause a falsely low anion gap value. …
  • Lithium overdose – lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar disorder.

Is myeloma curable?

Treatment for multiple myeloma can often help control symptoms and improve quality of life. But myeloma usually can’t be cured, which means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back.

What cancers cause low albumin?

Albumin is a protein found in the blood. Low levels can be seen in myeloma. (hypercalcemia) can cause symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and confusion. A blood test to measure lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels might also be done.

What is the normal range for anion gap?

Normal results are 3 to 10 mEq/L, although the normal level may vary from lab to lab. If your results are higher, it may mean that you have metabolic acidosis.

How long can you have myeloma without knowing?

Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they’re sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won’t have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells.

When should you suspect multiple myeloma?

Your Doctor May Suspect Multiple Myeloma Before You Do

Low red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts, which are common in multiple myeloma. High levels of calcium in your blood, called hypercalcemia. Abnormal proteins in your blood or urine.

Who is most likely to get multiple myeloma?

Myeloma occurs most commonly in people over 60. The average age at diagnosis is 70. Only 2% of cases occur in people under 40.

Does multiple myeloma affect the bowels?

Conclusions. Multiple myeloma has myriad presentations. Gastrointestinal involvement, although rare, can manifest as small bowel obstruction for which early recognition and appropriate surgical management are key to improving outcome.

What bones does multiple myeloma affect?

Myeloma cells grow in the bone marrow and cortical bone, causing local bone damage or generalized thinning of the bone, which is called osteoporosis. This makes the bone more likely to break. The back or ribs are the most common sites of bone pain, but any bone can be affected.

What does bone pain feel like in multiple myeloma?

Bone pain. Multiple myeloma can cause pain in affected bones – usually the back, ribs or hips. The pain is frequently a persistent dull ache, which may be made worse by movement.

What is the main cause of multiple myeloma?

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. However, it starts with one atypical plasma cell that rapidly multiplies in the bone marrow. The resulting cancerous myeloma cells don’t have a typical life cycle. Instead of multiplying and eventually dying, they continue dividing indefinitely.

How did I get myeloma?

Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses have all been implicated as causes or triggers of myeloma. Toxic chemicals that have been identified include: benzene. dioxins (such as those found in Agent Orange)