Vehicle-induced multiple trauma: Serum lactate level and prognosis

Background and Objectives: Early assessment of the severity and prognosis of multiple trauma injuries is crucial for the improvement of prognosis. Therefore, defining the parameters related to mortality and severity of multiple trauma injuries needs to be considered. The current study aims to investigate the serum lactate level and prognosis of these patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 150 motor-vehicle-induced multiple trauma patients who were admitted to the Babol Trauma Center for 15 months. The serum lactate level was measured at the time of admission, 24 h, and 72 h after admission. The outcome of the patients was evaluated as death, hospitalization, or discharge. Results: Overall, 150 motor vehicle-induced trauma patients were enrolled in the study. Hyperlactatemia was seen in 33 (22%) patients in 24 h and 78 (52%) patients in 72 h after admission (P < 0.001). There was a clinically significant correlation between lactate level at the time of admission and the outcome of the patients (5.22 ± 3.41 expired, 2.69 ± 1.67 hospitalized, and 1.83 ± 1.09 discharged, P < 0.00). There was a clinically significant correlation between the serum lactate level at 24 h after admission and the outcome of the patients (6.81 ± 3.51 expired, 1.35 ± 0.79 hospitalized, and 0.83 ± 0.23 discharged, P < 0.001). There was also a clinically significant correlation between the outcome of the patients (discharge or hospitalization, or death) and the serum lactate level at the time of the admission and 24 h after the admission (P = 0.035). Conclusions: The baseline lactate, the lactate level at 24 h after admission, and the difference between these two can be used as a prognostic factor in the evaluation of multiple trauma patients. It is suggested to check the difference between the serum lactate level at the time of admission and 24 h later in trauma centers.