a change in the acid-alkaline balance of the organism as a result of insufficient removal and oxidation of organic acids (for example, beta-hydroxybutyric acid). Usually these products are rapidly removed from the body. In febrile diseases, intestinal disorders, pregnancy, starvation, and such, they are retained in the body; this is manifested in mild cases by the appearance of acetoacetic acid and acetone in the urine (so-called ketonuria). In severe cases (for example, diabetes mellitus) it may lead to coma. Treatment consists of removal of the cause of acidosis (for example, by administering insulin in case of diabetes); there is also symptomatic treatment—soda and an abundance of fluids taken internally.