What is an acronym for remembering causes of anion gap acidosis?

The acronym "MUDPILES" is widely used in medical practice to help remember the common causes of anion gap acidosis. Anion gap acidosis occurs when there is an excess of unmeasured anions in the bloodstream, leading to an increase in the anion gap calculated from the laboratory results.

Each letter in "MUDPILES" corresponds to a potential cause of this condition:

• Methanol
• Uremia
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Propylene glycol
• Infection (or Iron overdose)
• Lactic acidosis
• Ethanol (or Ethylene glycol)
• Salicylates

This mnemonic is particularly useful for healthcare professionals, especially in emergency and critical care settings, as it helps to quickly identify and manage potential causes of metabolic acidosis in patients, guiding treatment decisions and interventions. By recalling these causes, practitioners can conduct appropriate tests and provide timely care to address underlying conditions.