Recurrent D-lactic acidosis in a child with short bowel syndrome.

D-lactic acidosis is a rare complication in children with short bowel syndrome. It results from fermentation of dietary carbohydrate by luminal bacteria in the small bowel caused by bacterial overgrowth. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with short bowel syndrome from surgical treatment of midgut volvulus five years previously. His nutritional status was maintained by total parenteral nutrition and enteral feeding as tolerated. During hospitalization, episodic confusion and hyperpnea developed. The investigation showed severe metabolic acidosis with serum bicarbonate of 9 mmol/L and a wide anion gap. The serum D-lactic acid was 11.21 mmol/L. There was no evidence of renal or hepatic failure. Therefore, D-lactic acidosis from enteral carbohydrate overload was diagnosed. The treatment was correction of metabolic acidosis by sodium bicarbonate infusion and carbohydrate restriction. The results of the therapy were satisfactory. Early detection and appropriate treatment is necessary to avoid morbidity and mortality following this complication of short bowel syndrome.