A novel corrected anion gap links metabolic acid attack to peptic ulcer disease

After adjusting for sex, age, and Na, AG_corr remained an independent risk factor for PUD in individuals with normal liver and kidney function. The fully-corrected AG outperformed both ACAG and uncorrected AG. Metabolic non-volatile acid attack may be an important pathogenic mechanism in PUD. HCO₃^- may have a potential protective effect against PUD. The findings contribute to improving PUD care but require further validation in diverse groups.