Serum lactate levels in critically Ill patients: An early marker to be targeted

Abstract

Hyperlactatemia (excess blood lactate) is common in severely unwell individuals. Although lactate levels are routinely used to indicate insufficient tissue oxygenation, they can also be elevated by mechanisms unrelated to tissue oxygenation. Increased glycolysis may be a major cause of hyperlactatemia, especially in critically sick individuals. Despite this, elevated lactate levels have serious consequences for the morbidity and mortality of hyperlactatemia individuals. Despite the widespread use of the phrase lactic acidosis, a substantial link between lactate and pH appears only at higher lactate levels. As a result, the phrase lactate-related acidosis is more suitable. In early resuscitation, two recent studies have emphasized the necessity of monitoring lactate levels and adjusting treatment to changes in lactate levels. Structured lactate measures should be included in resuscitation protocols since lactate levels may be assessed quickly at the bedside from a variety of sources.