The condition metabolic alkalosis occurs when the blood is excessively alkaline (or basic, as opposed to acidic).  This condition has a variety of known causes, including fever,[1] “being at a high altitude,”[2] “lack of oxygen”[3] and by excess bicarbonate in the blood.[4]  In the case of GranuFlo, metabolic alkalosis is caused by excess bicarbonate.

As stated by MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Hand tremor
  • Light-headedness
  • Muscle twitching
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Numbness in the face, hands, or feet
  • Prolonged muscle spasms[5]

Possible complications of metabolic alkalosis include irregular heartbeat,[6] “coma”,[7] and “electrolyte imbalance”[8], and according to Fresenius Medical Care, the nation’s leading dialysis provider, alkalosis may result in cardiac arrest and death.[9]

If you or a loved one have experienced these symptoms or incurred injury while undergoing hemodialysis, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm at (855) 452-5529 or e-mail me at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us.


[1] “Alkalosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia” © A.D.A.M. 1997-2013 MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.  Page updated 27 December 2012. Available at <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001183.htm> Accessed 3 January 2013

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Ibid

[9] Fresenius Medical Care Memorandum “RE: Dialysate Bicarbonate, Alkalosis and Patient Safety” FMS Medical Office; November 4th, 2010