Marlies Ostermann

The use of sodium bicarbonate in these critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis receiving vasopressors did not lead to a lower risk of major adverse kidney events within thirty days than placebo.

In an editorial, Marlies Ostermann from Guys's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, and Deborah Cook from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, write that the rigorous SOdabic trial adds to the growing evidence about sodium bicarbonate treatment.

Whether, when, and in whom sodium bicarbonate therapy confers benefit for patients with metabolic acidosis remains under active investigation.

As clinical evidence evolves, the SOdabic trial adds a compelling new chapter to the latest book, but the full story is not yet written.