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Alcoholic ketoacidosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Ketoacidosis - alcoholic

Definition of Alcoholic ketoacidosis:

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the build up of ketones in the blood. Ketones are a type of acid that form when the body breaks down fat for energy.

The condition is an acute form of metabolic acidosis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by alcohol use, usually excessive.

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2007
Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.