Lactic acidosis in the practice of a resuscitator

Abstract

The objective: to analyze literature and to compile the most accurate and complete view of lactic acidosis and specific parameters of its treatment in anesthesiology and resuscitation practice. Result. Lactate levels are commonly evaluated in critically ill patients. Hyperlactatemia is defined as a lactate level >2 mmol/L and it is common in the critical care setting. Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis may develop due to increase in lactate production, a decrease in lactate clearance, or a combination of both. The current review provides an overview of pathophysiology of lactate elevation followed by analysis of different etiologies of hyperlactatemia in critically ill patients.Additionally, approach to differential diagnosis and treatment of elevated lactate levels in this category of patients is discussed.

Keywords

• lactic acidosis
• lacticidemic coma
• diabetes