Clinical biochemistry mnemonic

Causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis

The mnemonic

MUDPILES

What each word stands for

  • MMethanol
  • UUraemia
  • DDiabetic ketoacidosis
  • PParaldehyde or propylene glycol
  • IIsoniazid or iron
  • LLactic acidosis
  • EEthylene glycol
  • SSalicylates

Why it matters clinically

Narrowing a high anion gap acidosis guides rapid treatment such as fomepizole or dialysis.

Where it stops being reliable

It does not include non-gap causes (diarrhoea, renal tubular acidosis) or newer causes such as pyroglutamic acid.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Clinical biochemistry mnemonic?

MUDPILES. It helps you recall: Causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis.

What does "M" stand for?

Methanol

What does "U" stand for?

Uraemia

What does "D" stand for?

Diabetic ketoacidosis

What are all the parts of the MUDPILES mnemonic?

M: Methanol; U: Uraemia; D: Diabetic ketoacidosis; P: Paraldehyde or propylene glycol; I: Isoniazid or iron; L: Lactic acidosis; E: Ethylene glycol; S: Salicylates.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Clinical biochemistry in Biochemistry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It does not include non-gap causes (diarrhoea, renal tubular acidosis) or newer causes such as pyroglutamic acid.

How is this useful clinically?

Narrowing a high anion gap acidosis guides rapid treatment such as fomepizole or dialysis.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Biochemistry question about Clinical biochemistry.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.