Cohen-Woods Classification of Lactic Acidosis
Type A Lactic Acidosis
- Type A Lactic Acidosis is Due to Decreased Perfusion or Oxygenation
Type B Lactic Acidosis
- Type B Lactic Acidosis is Not Due to Decreased Systemic Perfusion
- General Comments
- However, Type B Lactic Acidosis May Be Due to Toxin-Mediated Impairment of Cellular Metabolism and/or Regional Tissue Ischemia)
- Type B1 Lactic Acidosis: due to underlying diseases
- However, These Disorders May Cause Type A Lactic Acidosis in Some Cases
- Type B2 Lactic Acidosis: due to medication or intoxication
- Type B3 Lactic Acidosis: due to inborn error of metabolism
- General Comments
Etiology
Genetic Diseases
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy + Lactic Acidosis + Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS)
- Diabetes Mellitus + Deafness
- Glucose-6-Phosphatase Deficiency
- Fructose 1,6-Diphosphatase Deficiency
- Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
- Pyruvate Carboxylase Deficiency
Malignancy/Malignancy-Related
General Comments
- Tumors May Benefit from Acidosis
- Acidic Microenvironment is Critical for Tumorigenesis, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis
- Mechanisms by Which Tumors Produce Acidosis
- Decreased Lactate Clearance (in the Setting of Severe Liver Metastases)
- Increased Glycolytic Activity of the Tumor (Warburg Effect)
- Otto Warburg (a German Physiologist) First Demonstrated that Cancer Cells Can Metabolize Glucose into Lactate Even Under Normoxic Conditions (“Aerobic Glycolysis”) in 1920 [LINK]
- This Capability Enables Cancer Cells to Divert Their Biosynthetic Machinery to Utilize Glucose (Via Upregulation of Key Glucose Transporters and Hexokinases) and Enhance the Synthesis of New Cancer Cells
- “Warburg Phenotype” Can Be Switched On/Off, Depending on the Microenvironment Supply of Oxygen (Sci Rep, 2014) [MEDLINE]
- The Glycolytic/Warburg Pathway Consumes Glucose and Produces Higher Levels of Lactate than the Normal Oxidative Process (J Clin Invest, 2013) [MEDLINE]
- The Glycolytic/Warburg Phenotype Inefficiently Produces ATP, with the Generation of Only 2 ATP Molecules, as Opposed to the Generation of 36 ATP Molecules During the Normal Oxidative Process, Resulting in Excessive Lactate and Hydrogen Ion Production
- The Resulting Local Hypoxia and Acidosis Promotes Expression of Survival Genes (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α, HIF1α and Others), Invasion, Enhanced Metastatic Potential, Clonal Evolution and Radio-Resistance
- Tumor Tissue Hypoxia
- Treatment
- Bicarbonate Administration May Undesirably Increase Lactate Production
Tumors
- Leukemia
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) (see Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
- Lymphoma (see Lymphoma)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Burkitt’s Lymphoma
- First Reported Case of Burkitt Lymphoma Associated with Hypoglycemia and Lactic Acidosis (Leuk Lymphoma, 2005) [MEDLINE]
- Increased Lactate Production by the Tumor was the Likely Mechanism (Achieving a Peak Lactate of 15.8 mmol/L)
- Absence of Liver Involvement in This Patient Suggested that the Decreased Lactate Clearance was Not a Contributing Mechanism
- First Reported Case of Burkitt Lymphoma Associated with Hypoglycemia and Lactic Acidosis (Leuk Lymphoma, 2005) [MEDLINE]
- Multiple Myeloma
- Multiple Myeloma Cases with Hypoglycemia and Lactic Acidosis Have Been Reported (EJHaem, 2021) [MEDLINE]
- Solid Tumors
- Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Primary (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Breast Cancer (see Breast Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Cervical Cancer (see Cervical Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Colon Cancer (see Colorectal Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Gastric Cancer (see Gastric Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Glioblastoma Multiforme (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Lung Cancer (Predominantly Small Cell) (see Lung Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Pheochromocytoma (see Pheochromocytoma) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Epidemiology
- Rarely, Lactic Acidosis is the Presenting Feature of Pheochromocytoma
- Physiology
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation with Increased Lactate Production
- Epidemiology
- Prostate Cancer (Metastatic) (see Prostate Cancer) (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
- Small Cell Carcinoma of the Liver (BMJ Case Rep, 2020) [MEDLINE]
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (see Tumor Lysis Syndrome)
- Physiology
- Due to Tumor Cell Death
Shock States with Impaired Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (see Abdominal Compartment Syndrome)
- Physiology
- Clinical
- In This Setting, Lactic Acidosis May Clear More Slowly than Expected, Despite Adequate Resuscitation
Acute Limb Ischemia (see Acute Limb Ischemia and Extremity Compartment Syndrome)
- Physiology
- Regional Tissue Hypoperfusion with Increased Lactate Production
Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE) (see Acute Pulmonary Embolism)
- Physiology
- Obstructive Shock-Associated Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Clinical
- Study of Serum Venous Lactate in the Prediction of In-Hospital Adverse Outcomes in Normotensive Acute Pulmonary Embolism (Eur J Intern Med, 2021) [MEDLINE]
- An Optimized Venous Lactate Cutoff Value of 3.3 mmol/L Predicted Both In-Hospital Adverse Outcome (Odds Ratio 11.0; 95% CI 4.6-26.3) and All-Cause Mortality (Odds Ratio 3.8; 95%CI 1.3-11.3)
- The Established Cutoff Value for Arterial Lactate (2.0 mmol/L) and the Upper Limit of Normal for Venous Lactate (2.3 mmol/l) Had Lower Prognostic Value for Adverse Outcomes (Odds Ratio 3.6; 95% CI 1.5-8.7 and Odds Ratio 5.7; 95% CI 2.4-13.6, Respectively) and Did Not Predict Mortality
- If Added to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology Algorithm, Venous Lactate <2.3 mmol/L was Associated with a High Negative Predictive Value (0.99 [95% CI 0.97-1.00]) for Adverse Outcomes in Intermediate-Low Risk Patients, Whereas Lactate Levels ≥3.3 mmol/L Predicted Adverse Outcomes in the Intermediate-High Risk Group (Odds Ratio 5.2; 95% CI 1.8-15.0)
- Study of Serum Venous Lactate in the Prediction of In-Hospital Adverse Outcomes in Normotensive Acute Pulmonary Embolism (Eur J Intern Med, 2021) [MEDLINE]
Anaphylaxis (see Anaphylaxis)
- Physiology
- Distributive Shock-Associated Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
Asthma Exacerbation (see Asthma)
- Multiple Potential Mechanisms
- Due to Increased Work of Breathing, Resulting in Increased Lactate Production (Chest, 2014) [MEDLINE]
- Likely Results in Type A Lactic Acidosis
- Due to Hypoxemia (Respir Care, 2012) [MEDLINE]
- Likely Results in Type A Lactic Acidosis
- Due to Pulsus Paradoxus and Auto-PEEP, Resulting in a Decrease in Venous Return to the Right Side of the Heart and a Consequent Decrease in Cardiac Output (Respir Care, 2012) [MEDLINE]
- Likely Results in Type A Lactic Acidosis
- Due to Use of β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (see β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists) (Chest, 2014) [MEDLINE]
- Likely Results in Type B Lactic Acidosis
- Due to Respiratory Alkalosis During Asthma Exacerbation Which Stimulates Phosphofructokinase (Rate-Limiting Step in Glycolysis), Enhancing Glycolysis, Increasing Pyruvate, and Increasing Lactate Production (at Least in Animal Studies) (Respir Care, 2012) [MEDLINE]
- In Humans, This Likely Only Occurs with Extreme Alkalosis (pH >7.6 and pCO2 <20 mm Hg)
- Likely Results in Type B Lactic Acidosis
- Due to Increased Work of Breathing, Resulting in Increased Lactate Production (Chest, 2014) [MEDLINE]
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)/Cardiogenic Shock (see Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock)
- Epidemiology
- Cardiogenic Shock is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis
- Physiology
- Cardiogenic Shock-AssociatedDecreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Note that Oxygen Delivery is a Function of Hemoglobin (“Number of Boxcars”), Oxygen Saturation (“How Full the Boxcars are”), and Cardiac Output (“How Fast the Train is Moving”)
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
- Cardiogenic Shock-AssociatedDecreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Hemorrhagic Shock (see Hemorrhagic Shock)
- Epidemiology
- Hemorrhagic Shock is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis
- Physiology
- Hemorrhagic Shock-Associated Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
Hypovolemic Shock (see Hypovolemic Shock)
- Epidemiology
- Hypovolemic Shock is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis
- Physiology
- Hypovolemia-Associated Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
Hypoxemia (see Hypoxemia)
- Epidemiology
- Hypoxemia is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis (Especially in the Setting of Decreased Cardiac Output, Where Oxygen Delivery is Even Further Impaired)
- Physiology
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Note that Oxygen Delivery is a Function of Hemoglobin (“Number of Boxcars”), Oxygen Saturation (“How Full the Boxcars are”), and Cardiac Output (“How Fast the Train is Moving”)
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Intestinal Ischemia/Infarction (see Acute Mesenteric Ischemia)
- Physiology
- Regional Tissue Hypoperfusion with Increased Lactate Production
Sepsis (see Sepsis)
- Epidemiology
- Sepsis is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis
- Physiology
- Decreased Lactate Clearance (Likely Due to Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase)
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation with/without Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Severe Anemia (Hb <5 g/dL) (see Anemia)
- Physiology
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Note that Oxygen Delivery is a Function of Hemoglobin (“Number of Boxcars”), Oxygen Saturation (“How Full the Boxcars are”), and Cardiac Output (“How Fast the Train is Moving”)
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Severe Trauma
- Epidemiology
- Severe Trauma is a Common Etiology of Lactic Acidosis
- Physiology
- Hypovolemia/Hemorrhagic Shock-Associated Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Liver Disease
Cirrhosis/End-Stage Liver Disease (see Cirrhosis)
- Physiology
- Decreased Hepatic Lactate Clearance
- Clinical
- Lactate is Usually Only Mildly Elevated
Acute Liver Failure (see Acute Liver Failure)
- Physiology
- Decreased Hepatic Lactate Clearance
- Increased Hepatic Lactate Production
- Clinical
- Lactate Levels are Usually More Significantly Elevated in Acute Liver Failure than in Chronic Liver Disease
D-Lactic Acidosis Due to Production by Enteric Microbes
Post-Jejunal-Ileal Bypass Surgery
- Physiology
- D-Lactic Acid Production by Enteric Microbes
Short Bowel Syndrome (see Short Bowel Syndrome)
- Physiology
- D-Lactic Acid Production by Enteric Microbes
Drugs
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (see β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists)
- Epidemiology
- β2-Agonist-Associated Lactic Acidosis is Most Commonly Observed in the Setting of High-Dose β2-Agonist Administration in the Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbation or During Use as Tocolytic for Preterm Labor (see Asthma)
- Physiology
- Stimulation of Aerobic Glycolysis with Increased Lactate Production
- Clinical
- Hypokalemia (see Hypokalemia): may occur, as well
Catecholamines
- Agents
- Epinephrine (see Epinephrine)
- Norepinephrine (Levophed) (see Norepinephrine)
- Physiology
- Increased Glycolysis and Pyruvate Production
- Increased Lipolysis with Resultant Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase: this prevents pyruvate from going through the Krebs cycle, resulting in pyruvate reduction to lactate
Isoniazid (INH) (see Isoniazid)
- Epidemiology
Linezolid (Zyvox) (see Linezolid)
- Epidemiology
- Pharmacology
- Linezolid is an Oxazolidinone Antibiotic Which Inhibits a Subunit of Bacterial Ribosomes, Impairing Bacterial Protein Synthesis
- It Can Also Affect Human Mitochondrial Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
- Linezolid is an Oxazolidinone Antibiotic Which Inhibits a Subunit of Bacterial Ribosomes, Impairing Bacterial Protein Synthesis
- Physiology
- Due to Impairment of Mitochondrial Function
Metformin (Glucophage) (see Metformin): biguanide anti-hyperglycemic
- Epidemiology
- There are Approximately 9 Cases of Lactic Acidosis Per 100,000 Person-Years of Metformin Exposure (Compared to 40-64 Lactic Acidosis Cases Per 100,000 Person-Years of Phenformin Exposure) (see Phenformin)
- Systematic Reviews Suggest that the Incidence of Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis is Very Low (Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2010) [MEDLINE]: however, it is not clear from the trial data as to how many patients had contraindications to metformin use (such as significant chronic kidney disease)
- Risk Factors
- Administration of Intravenous Iodinated Contrast (see Radiographic Contrast)
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (see Chronic Kidney Disease)
- Lactic Acidosis Usually Occurs in the Setting of Baseline Chronic Kidney Disease (Although it May Occur in Patients with Normal Renal and Hepatic Function in the Setting of an Overdose)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (see Congestive Heart Failure)
- Dehydration
- Hypoxemia (see Hypoxemia)
- Maternally-Inherited Diabetes and Deafness (MIDD) Syndrome
- Sepsis (see Sepsis)
- Mechanisms
- Metformin is a Biguanide Anti-Hyperglycemic
- In the Setting of Renal Failure, Excess Lactate Cannot Be Adequately Cleared by the Kidneys
- Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis Usually Occurs in the Setting of High Plasma Metformin Levels
- Metformin Inhibits Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex 1, Impairing Hepatic Gluconeogenesis from Lactate, Pyruvate, and Alanine
- This Results in Additional Lactate and Substrate for Lactate Production
- Metformin Promotes the Conversion of Glucose to Lactate in the Small Intestinal Splanchnic Bed
- Diagnosis
- Lactate Levels are Usually <2 mmol/L (But May Be Higher in Patients with Other Risk Factors for Lactic Acidosis)
- Treatment
- Bicarbonate Hemodialysis Can Correct the Acidosis and Remove Metformin
- Prognosis
- Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis has a High Case-Fatality Rate (Approximately 45%)
- Neither Arterial Lactate Nor Plasma Metformin Concentrations Predict Mortality
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (see Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)
- Epidemiology
- Severe Lactic Acidosis is Uncommon in the Absence of Other Precipitating Factors
- Agents
- Stavudine (see Stavudine)
- Zidovudine (see Zidovudine)
- Physiology
- Drug-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction (Type B Lactic Acidosis)
Phenformin (see Phenformin)
- Epidemiology
- Phenformin is a More Common Cause of Lactic Acidosis than Metformin
- Most Commonly Occurs in the Setting of Renal Failure
- Biguanide Accumulates and Inhibits Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Physiology
- Phenformin is a Biguanide Anti-Hyperglycemic
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Propofol Infusion Syndrome (see Propofol)
- Epidemiology
- Associated with Prolonged High-Dose Propofol Infusion (Anaesthesia, 2007) [MEDLINE]
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Salicylate Intoxication (see Salicylates)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Clinical
- Hyperlactatemia is Usually Minimal
Toxins
Carboxyhemoglobinemia (Carbon Monoxide Intoxication) (see Carboxyhemoglobinemia)
- Physiology
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Cocaine Intoxication (see Cocaine)
- Physiology
- Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
- In Addition, Clenbuterol (Found as an Adulterant in Cocaine) Can Cause Lactic Acidosis (see Clenbuterol)
- Clinical
- Marked Hyperlactatemia May Be Seen in Patients Having Seizures or Who are Restrained
Cyanide Intoxication (see Cyanide)
- Epidemiology
- Cyanide Ingestion
- Smoke Inhalation of Vapors Derived from Thermal Decomposition of Nitrogen-Containing Materials (Polyurethane, Silk, Wool)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Clinical
- Hyperlactatemia is an Important Clinical Manifestation
Diethylene Glycol Intoxication (see Diethylene Glycol)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Ethylene Glycol Intoxication (see Ethylene Glycol)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Diagnosis
- In Addition to Lactic Acidosis, a Pseudolactic Acidosis May Also Be Present in the Setting of Ethylene Glycol Intoxication Because the Ethylene Glycol Metabolite Glycolate (Which is Structurally Similar to Lactate) is Measured as Lactate in Several Quantitative Lactate Assays
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Inhalation (see Hydrogen Sulfide Gas)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Cytochrome Oxidase and Cellular Respiration
- Hydrogen Sulfide Gas is a Cytotoxic Asphyxiant
- Impairment of Cytochrome Oxidase and Cellular Respiration
Kombucha (see Kombucha)
- Epidemiology
- Case Report Occurring in Association with Acute Renal Failure and Hyperthermia
Large Fructose Loads
- Epidemiology
- Cases of Lactic Acidosis Associated with Large Fructose Loads Have Been Reported (Lancet, 1971) [MEDLINE]
Methamphetamine Intoxication (see Methamphetamine)
- Physiology
- Due to Epinephrine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation
- Due to Muscle Contractions/Seizures
Methemoglobinemia (see Methemoglobinemia)
- Epidemiology
- Lactic Acidosis May Occur in Cases of Acquired Methemoglobinemia (J Pediatr, 1982) [MEDLINE]
- Physiology
- Oxidation of Iron in Hemoglobin from the Ferrous (Fe2+) to the Ferric (Fe3+) State
- Ferric Hemes of Methemoglobin are Unable to Bind Oxygen and Therefore, Result in a “Functional Anemia” with Decreased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- Left-Shifting of the Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve (see Hypoxemia)
- While the Ferric Heme is Unable to Bind Oxygen, the Remaining Three Ferrous Hemes in the Hemoglobin Tetramer Have Increased Avidity for Oxygen, Resulting in Impaired Oxygen Unloading at the Tissues (Exacerbating Tissue Hypoxia)
- Oxidation of Iron in Hemoglobin from the Ferrous (Fe2+) to the Ferric (Fe3+) State
Methanol Intoxication (see Methanol)
- Physiology
- Impairment of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Propylene Glycol Intoxication (see Propylene Glycol)
- Physiology
- D-Lactic Acid and L-Lactic Acid are Normal Products of Propylene Glycol Metabolism
- Clinical
- Lactic Acidosis is Variably Present
- Elevated D-lactic Acid Levels Have Been Detected in Some Cases
Other
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)/Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State)
- Physiology
- Mechanism of Lactic Acidosis is Unclear
- May Involve Hypovolemia
- Mechanism of Lactic Acidosis is Unclear
- Diagnosis
- Elevated D-Lactate Levels Have Been Detected in Some Cases (Clin Chim Acta, 2011) [MEDLINE]
- D-Lactate is Derived from Methylglyoxal, a Metabolite of Both Acetone and Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate (Which are Intermediates Which Accumulate in Diabetic Ketoacidosis)
- Hyperlactatemia Has Also Been Reported in Diabetes Mellitus Independent of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Possibly Due to Decreased Activity of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (Clin Endocrinol-Oxf, 2011) [MEDLINE]
- Elevated D-Lactate Levels Have Been Detected in Some Cases (Clin Chim Acta, 2011) [MEDLINE]
- Clinical
- Presence of Coexistent Lactic Acidosis Increases the Mortality Rate in Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (see Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Physiology
- Unclear Mechanism
Hypoglycemia (see Hypoglycemia)
- Physiology
- Unclear Mechanism
Malaria (see Malaria)
- Mechanisms
- Decreased Hepatic/Renal Lactate Clearance
- Hypovolemia (see Hypovolemic Shock)
- Increased Anaerobic Glycolysis (Due to Parasite Impairment of Micro-Circulatory Flow)
- Lactate Production by Parasite
Seizures (see Seizures)
- Epidemiology
- Post-Ictal Lactic Acidosis is Common
- Physiology
- Increased Oxygen Consumption
- Altered Redox State Favoring Pyruvate Conversion to Lactate
- Clinical
- Acidemia and Hyperlactatemia are Usually Transient
- Normokalemia is Usually Present
Shivering
- Physiology
- Increased Oxygen Consumption
- Altered Redox State Favoring Pyruvate Conversion to Lactate
- Clinical
- Acidemia and Hyperlactatemia are Usually Transient
Strenuous Exercise
- Physiology
- Increased Oxygen Consumption
- Altered Redox State Favoring Pyruvate Conversion to Lactate
- Clinical
- Acidemia and Hyperlactatemia are Usually Transient
- Lactic Acidosis Can Impair Exercise Performance
Thiamine Deficiency (Vitamin B1 Deficiency) (see Thiamine Deficiency)
- Epidemiology
- Lactic Acidosis in the Setting of Thiamine Deficiency is Most Common with the Administration of Chronic Total Parenteral Nutrition or in Patients with Fulminant Beriberi
- Physiology
- Thiamine Deficiency Blocks Pyruvate Entry into Mitochondria, Impairing Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activity
Physiology
Normal Lactate Physiology
- Approximately 20 mmol/kg of Lactate is Produced Daily in the Human Body: this occurs predominantly by highly glycolytic tissues (such as skeletal muscle) which contain the LDHA-rich isoform of the Lactate Dehydrogenase enyzme
- LDHA Subunit Has Higher Affinity for Pyruvate and Its Reduction Than the LDHB Subunit
- Lactate is Produced from Glycolysis with Release of Protons: glucose + 2(ADP + inorganic phosphate) -> 2lactate + 2Hydrogen Ions + 2ATP
- Lactate is Normally Reconverted to Pyruvate and Consumed in the Mitochondria of the Liver/Kidney/Muscle/Heart/Brain/Other Tissues (All of These Tissues Have LDHB-Rich LDH Isoforms): liver accounts for 70% of whole body lactate clearance
- Liver/Kidney Reconversion of Lactate to Pyruvate Involves the Cori Cycle
- Pyruvate (the First Designated Substrate of the Gluconeogenesis Pathway) is Subsequently Converted to Glucose in the Liver/Kidney, a Process Which Generates Bicarbonate
- Liver/Kidney/Muscle/Heart/Brain/Other Tissue Reconversion of Lactate to Pyruvate Involves the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Pyruvate is Oxidized to Carbon Dioxide and Water
- Liver/Kidney Reconversion of Lactate to Pyruvate Involves the Cori Cycle
Lactate Generation and Consumption
- In the Steady-State, Lactate Generation and Consumption are Equivalent: therefore, serum lactate concentration remains stable
- During Seizures/Maximal Exercise, Serum Lactate Production Increases Markedly: however, it is also rapidly consumed after cessation of seizures/exerise
Diagnosis
Serum Lactate (see Serum Lactate)
Technique
- Measurement of Arterial vs Venous Lactate
- Agreement Between Arterial and Venous Lactate is Poor at Abnormal Values, But if the Venous Lactate is Normal, the Arterial Lactate is Generally Also Normal (Eur J Emerg Med, 2014) [MEDLINE]
- Venous Lactate is Approximately 0.25 mmol/L Higher Than the Arterial Lactate (95% Confidence Interval: 0.15-0.35) (Eur J Emerg Med, 2014) [MEDLINE]
Interpretation
- Hyperlactatemia
- Normal Serum Lactate: 0.5-2.2 mmol/L (4.5-19.8 mg/dL)
- However, Serum Lactate Values at the Upper Limit of Normal Range May Be Associated with Increased Mortality in Critically Ill Patients (Crit Care, 2009) [MEDLINE]
- Therefore, Lactate Values Increased from Baseline (But Still Inside the Reference Range) May Be Clinically Important
- In Addition, Hyperlactatemia Does Not Always Indicate the Presence of Tissue Hypoxia
Serum Osmolal Gap (see Serum Osmolality)
Physiology
- Mechanisms Contributing to Development of the Osmolal Gap in Lactic Acidosis: the mechanism by which lactate contributes to an osmolal gap is not clear, since lactate is completely ionized at physiologic pH (lactic acid requires an accompanying sodium cation) and does not contribute directly to the osmolal gap
- May Be Caused by Tissue Release of Smaller Glycogen Breakdown Products
Interpretation
- While Usually Normal, an Elevated Osmolal Gap Has Been Reported in Some Cases of Lactic Acidosis (Ann Intern Med, 1990) [MEDLINE]
- If Present, Osmolal Gap is Typically Small in Lactic Acidosis (<15-20 mOsm/L)
- However, the Presence of an Osmolal Gap Mandates that Other Potential Etiologies (Ethylene Glycol, etc) of Acidosis Be Excluded
Serum Anion Gap (see Serum Anion Gap)
Interpretation
- Anion Gap is Usually Elevated in Lactic Acidosis (Usually >20)
- However, a Normal Anion Gap Does Not Rule Out Lactic Acidosis
- In One Study, 50% of Patients with a Serum Lactate 5-10 mmol/L Had a Normal Anion Gap (Crit Care Med, 1990) [MEDLINE]
- However, a Normal Anion Gap Does Not Rule Out Lactic Acidosis
Delta Gap/Delta Bicarbonate Ratio
- General Comments
- Calculation of the Delta Gap (Amount of Increase in the Anion Gap Above Normal) and the Delta Bicarbonate (Decrease in the Serum Bicarbonate Below Normal) Has Been Classically Used to Determine the Presence of a Mixed Acid-Base Disturbance (i.e. if a Metabolic Acidosis is an Isolated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis or Not)
- For Example, a Decrease in Serum Bicarbonate Greater than the Increase in Anion Gap Has Been Classically Interpreted to Represent a Concomitant Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (One Which is Further Decreasing the Serum Bicarbonate)
- For Example, a Decrease in Serum Bicarbonate Less than the Increase in Anion Gap Has Been Classically Interpreted to Represent a Concomitant Metabolic Alkalosis (One Which is Increasing the Serum Bicarbonate)
- However, in Simple Acid-Base Disturbances, There is Significant Variability in the Delta Gap/Delta Bicarb Ratio Between Patients (Am J Med, 1986) [MEDLINE]
- For this Reason, the Delta Gap/Gelta Bicarb Ratio Should Be Used with Caution in Diagnosing a Mixed Acid-Base Disturbance in Any Individual Patient
- Calculation of the Delta Gap (Amount of Increase in the Anion Gap Above Normal) and the Delta Bicarbonate (Decrease in the Serum Bicarbonate Below Normal) Has Been Classically Used to Determine the Presence of a Mixed Acid-Base Disturbance (i.e. if a Metabolic Acidosis is an Isolated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis or Not)
- In L-Lactic Acidosis, the Delta Anion Gap/Delta Bicarbonate Ratio is Typically Around 1.6
- Mechanisms
- Most of the Lactate Anions Which Enter the Extracellular Space Remain in that Space
- Urinary Lactate Excretion is Decreased Due to Associated Renal Hypoperfusion/Dysfunction
- Lactate Does Not Usually Enter the Intracellular Fluid Space
- Over 50% of Hydrogen Ions are Buffered in the Cells and Bone (Even More So When the Acidosis is Severe): when hydrogen ions are buffered in cells/bone, the serum bicarbonate does not decrease -> therefore, anion gap increases more than the serum bicarbonate decreases
- Clinical Time Course
- Since Hydrogen Ion Buffering in Cells and Bone May Take Several Hours to Equilibrate, the Ratio May Initially Be 1.1 and Increase Over Time Toward the Ratio of 1.6
- Mechanisms
- In Exercise-Induced Lactic Acidosis, the Delta Anion Gap/Delta Bicarbonate Ratio Varies Based on Serum Lactate and pH
- Mechanism
- May Be Due to Better Buffering by Nonbicarbonate Buffers (Such as Hemoglobin) at Lower pH Values
- Clinical
- Serum Lactate <15 mEq/L: delta gap/delta bicarb ratio is around 1
- Serum Lactate >15 mEq/L (with pH <7/15): delta gap/delta bicarb ratio increases to >1
- Mechanism
- In D-Lactic Acidosis, the Delta Anion Gap/Delta Bicarbonate Ratio is Typically Around 1 (or <1)
- Mechanism
- Proximal Tubule Sodium/L-Lactate Co-Transporter is Stereospecific and Does Not Transport D-Lactate, Resulting in Filtered D-Lactate Being Rapidly Excreted in the Urine
- Clinical
- Normal Renal Function: delta gap/delta bicarb ratio may be 0 (i.e. NAGMA) to <1 (i.e. mild AGMA)
- Impaired Renal Function: delta gap/delta bicarb ratio is around 1 (i.e. typical AGMA)
- Mechanism
Clinical Manifestations
Physiologic Effects of Acute Metabolic Acidosis
- Blunted Response to Catecholamines (Nat Rev Nephrol, 2012) [MEDLINE]: due to acidemia
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Decreased Affinity of Hemoglobin for Oxygen with Increased Tissue Oxygen Delivery
- Decreased Cardiac Contractility and Cardiac Output
- Hypotension (see Hypotension)
- Decreased Tissue Oxygen Delivery
- Decreased ATP Generation
- Increased Apoptosis
- Impaired Glucose Regulation
- Impaired Immune Response
- Impaired Phagocytosis
- Increased Ionized Calcium: which may augment cardiac contractility
- Peripheral Vasodilatation with Increased Blood Flow to Tissues
- Stimulation of Inflammatory Mediators
Cardiovascular Manifestations
- Hypotension (see Hypotension)
- Irregular Heart Rate
- Tachycardia (see Sinus Tachycardia)
Gastrointestinal Manifestations
- Abdominal Pain (see Abdominal Pain)
- Nausea/Vomiting (see Nausea and Vomiting)
Renal Manifestations
Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (AGMA) (see Metabolic Acidosis-Elevated Anion Gap)
- Associated Clinical Scenarios
- Observed in L-Lactic Acidosis
- Observed in D-Lactic Acidosis with Impaired Renal Function
- Physiology: proximal tubule sodium/L-lactate co-transporter is stereospecific and does not transport D-lactate
- Therefore, filtered D-lactic acid is rapidly excreted in the urine (assuming normal renal function)
Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (NAGMA) (see Metabolic Acidosis-Normal Anion Gap)
- Associated Clinical Scenarios
- Observed in D-Lactic Acidosis with Normal Renal Function
- Physiology: proximal tubule sodium/L-lactate co-transporter is stereospecific and does not transport D-lactate
- Therefore, filtered D-lactic acid is rapidly excreted in the urine (assuming normal renal function)
- Diagnosis
- Delta Anion Gap/Delta Bicarbonate Ratio in D-Lactic Acidosis (see Lactic Acidosis): delta anion gap/delta bicarbonate ratio is around 1 (or <1)
Other Manifestations
- Altered Mental Status/Encephalopathy
- Anxiety (see Anxiety)
- Lethargy (see Obtundation-Coma)
- Hyperventilation
- Severe Anemia (see Anemia)
Treatment
Supportive Care
Restoration of Tissue Perfusion
- Intravenous Fluid Resuscitation: the optimal intravenous fluid to use for resuscitation in this setting is unclear
- Normal Saline (see Normal Saline)
- Lactated Ringers *(LR) (see Lactated Ringers): incremental increase in serum lactate is usually small in the absence of an abnormality in lactate clearance (Crit Care Med, 1997) [MEDLINE]
- Vasopressors/Inotropes
- Acidemia Blunts the Response to Catecholamines (Nat Rev Nephrol, 2012) [MEDLINE]
- High Vasopressor Doses May Exacerbate Hyperlactatemia by Decreasing Tissue Perfusion or Overstimulating the β2-Adrenergic Receptor
Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) (see Packed Red Blood Cells)
- Indicated for Hemorrhage
Oxygen/Mechanical Ventilation (see Oxygen and Mechanical Ventilation-General )
- As Required
Specific Treatment of Underlying Disorder
- Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (see Congestive Heart Failure)
- Treatment of Sepsis (see Sepsis)
Improvement of the Microcirculation
- Some Studies Suggest that Vasoactive Agents Such as Dobutamine/Acetylcholine/Nitroglycerin May Improve Microvascular Perfusion Independently of Their Effects on Systemic Hemodynamics, Decrease Hyperlactatemia, and Even Improve Outcome
Sodium Bicarbonate (see Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Indications: pH <7.1
- While Evidence for This Recommendation is Lacking, the Recommendation is Made Due to the Fact that at pH <7.1, Small Changes in pCO2 and Serum Bicarbonate Result in Large Changes in the Serum pH
- Clinical Efficacy
- Neither of the Following Trials Demonstrated Clinical Benefit of Bicarbonate Administration in Patients with pH >7.1
- Trial of Sodium Bicarbonate in Critically Ill Patients with Lactic Acidosis (Ann Intern Med, 1990) [MEDLINE]
- Sodium Bicarbonate Did Not Improve Hemodynamics in Critically Ill Patients with Metabolic Acidosis and Hyperlactatemia
- Sodium Bicarbonate Did Not Increase the Cardiovascular Response to Infused Catecholamines in in Critically Ill Patients with Metabolic Acidosis and Hyperlactatemia
- Sodium Bicarbonate Decreased Plasma Ionized Calcium and Increased the pCO2
- Trial of Sodium Bicarbonate in Lactic Acidosis (Crit Care Med, 1991) [MEDLINE]
- Administration of sodium bicarbonate did not improve hemodynamic variables in patients with lactic acidosis, but did not worsen tissue oxygenation
- Potential Adverse Effects
- Extracellular Volume Expansion
- Single 50 mL Ampule of Sodium Bicarbonate (Containing 50 mEq of Sodium Bicarbonate) Expands the Extracellular Fluid Volume by Approximately 250 mL
- Hypercapnia (see Hypercapnia)
- Due to Formation of Carbon Dioxide from Bicarbonate
- Results in Free Diffusion of Carbon Dioxide Across the Cell Membrane, Resulting in Paradoxical Intracellular Acidification*: this may be more significant when large quantities of bicarbonate are administered quickly to patient with circulatory failure (impairing tissue clearance of carbon dioxide and pulmonary excretion of carbon dioxide
- Hypernatremia (see Hypernatremia)
- Single 50 mL Ampule of Sodium Bicarbonate (Containing 50 mEq of Sodium Bicarbonate) Increases the Serum Sodium of a 70 kg Patient Approximately 1 mEq/L
- Hyperosmolality (see Increased Serum Osmolality)
- Sodium Bicarbonate is a Hypertonic Solution
- Increased Net Lactic Acid Production
- Acidosis Normally Inhibits Phosphofructokinase, Inhibiting Glycolysis and Resulting in Decreased Lactate Formation
- Alkalinization Due to Bicarb Administration May Actually Allow Glycolysis to Continue, Increasing the Formation of Lactate (NEJM, 1998) [MEDLINE]
- Increased Tissue Capillary pCO2
- Leftward Shift of the Hemoglobin-Oxygen Dissociation Curve (see Hypoxemia)
- Alkalosis Results in a Leftward Shift of the Hemoglobin-Oxygen Dissociation Curve, Increasing Hemoglobin Affinity for Oxygen and Decreasing Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
- pH-Dependent Decrease in Ionized Calcium (see Hypocalcemia)
- Results in Decreased Myocardial Contractility
- Sodium Load/Volume Overload
- Single 50 mL Ampule of Sodium Bicarbonate (Containing 50 mEq of Sodium Bicarbonate) Expands the Extracellular Fluid Volume by Approximately 250 mL
- Extracellular Volume Expansion
Hemodialysis (see Hemodialysis)
- Advantages: allows bicarbonate administration, but avoids a number of potential complications
- Clearance of Lactate: although the quantity cleared is much lower than that being produced in the setting of severe lactic acidosis
- Does Not Contribute to Volume Overload
- Does Not Induce Hyperosmolality
- May Allow Removal of Metformin: in relevant cases
- Prevents a Decrease in Serum Calcium
- Technique
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)/Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis (CVVHD) is Usually Preferred Over Intermittent Hemodialysis: due to delivery of bicarbonate at a lower rate and better hemodynamic tolerance
- Adverse Effects
- Increased Net Lactic Acid Production: due to alkalinization (N Engl J Med, 1998) [MEDLINE]
Other Unproven Therapies
- THAM (Tris-Hydroxymethyl Aminomethane): available for clinical use
- Advantages
- Buffers Protons without Generating Carbon Dioxide
- Disadavantages
- Hyperkalemia/Hypercapnia/Liver Necrosis in Neonates
- Requires Intact Renal Function or Hemodialysis
- Administration: 0.3 M solution via central vein -> monitor pCO2 and serum potassium
- Advantages
- Carbicarb: 1:1 mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate
- Use: investigational
- Advantages
- Buffers Intracellular/Extracellular pH without Generating Significant Quantity of Carbon Dioxide
- Preserves Cardiac Contactility in Animal Studies
- Sodium–Hydrogen (Na+–H+) Exchanger (NHE1) Inhibitors
- Use: investigational
Monitoring of Serum Lactate (see Serum Lactate)
- While Lactate-Guided Therapy Has Been Beneficial in Some Studies, the Use of Serum Lactate in this Setting Requires Further Study
- One Study Demonstrated that a Decrease in Serum Lactate by 20% Every 2 hrs for the First 8 hrs was Associated with a Decrease in Morbidity/Mortality in ICU Patients (Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2010) [MEDLINE]
- Serial Lactate Measurements: q2-6 hrs has been suggested as an appropriate interval
References
General
- Woods, Hubert Frank; Cohen, Robert (1976). Clinical and biochemical aspects of lactic acidosis. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific. ISBN 0-632-09460-5
- Low sensitivity of the anion gap as a screen to detect hyperlactatemia in critically ill patients. Crit Care Med 1990;18:275-7 [MEDLINE]
- Increased osmolal gap in alcoholic ketoacidosis and lactic acidosis. Ann Intern Med 1990;113:580-2 [MEDLINE]
- Effect of intravenous lactated Ringer’s solution infusion on the circulating lactate concentration: Part 3. Results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Crit Care Med 1997;25:1851-4 [MEDLINE]
- Protection of acid–base balance by pH regulation of acid production. N Engl J Med 1998;339: 819-26 [MEDLINE]
- Don’t take vitals, take a lactate. Intensive Care Med 2007; 33:1863-5 [MEDLINE]
- Occurrence and adverse effect on outcome of hyperlactatemia in the critically ill. Crit Care 2009;13:R90 [MEDLINE]
- Emergency department lactate is associated with mortality in older adults admitted with and without infections. Acad Emerg Med 2010;17:260-8 [MEDLINE]
- Lactic acidosis. N Engl J Med. 2014 Dec 11;371(24):2309-19. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1309483 [MEDLINE]
- Physiological approach to assessment of acid-base disturbances. N Engl J Med. 2014 Oct 9;371(15):1434-45. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1003327 [MEDLINE]
- The role of venous blood gas in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Emerg Med. 2014 Apr;21(2):81-8. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32836437cf [MEDLINE]
- Comprehensive review on lactate metabolism in human health. Mitochondrion. 2014 Jul;17:76-100. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2014.05.007 [MEDLINE]
Etiology
Acute Pulmonary Embolism (see Acute Pulmonary Embolism)
- Venous lactate improves the prediction of in-hospital adverse outcomes in normotensive pulmonary embolism. Eur J Intern Med. 2021 Apr;86:25-31. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.01.021 [MEDLINE]
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (see Abdominal Compartment Syndrome)
- Hemodynamic effects of acute changes in intra-abdominal pressure in patients with cirrhosis. Gastroenterology. 1993;104(1):222 [MEDLINE]
- Effects of intra-abdominal hypertension on hepatic energy metabolism in a rabbit model. J Trauma. 1998;44(3):446 [MEDLINE]
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (see β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists)
- Metabolic effects of beta 2-agonists. J Clin Pharm Ther. 1992 Jun;17(3):155-64 [MEDLINE]
- A paradoxical effect of bronchodilators. Chest. 1997 Jun;111(6):1766-7 [MEDLINE]
- Lactic acidosis in asthma: report of two cases and review of the literature. Can Respir J. 2002 May-Jun;9(3):203-8 [MEDLINE]
- Elevated plasma lactate level associated with high dose inhaled albuterol therapy in acute severe asthma. Emerg Med J. 2005 Jun;22(6):404-8 [MEDLINE]
- An under-recognized complication of treatment of acute severe asthma. Am J Emerg Med. 2008 May;26(4):514.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.07.035 [MEDLINE]
- Take my breath away: a case of lactic acidosis in an asthma exacerbation. CJEM. 2011 Jul;13(4):284-8 [MEDLINE]
- Can albuterol be blamed for lactic acidosis? Respir Care. 2012 Dec;57(12):2115-8. doi: 10.4187/respcare.01810 [MEDLINE]
- Inhaled β-agonist therapy and respiratory muscle fatigue as under-recognised causes of lactic acidosis. BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Oct 14;2013. pii: bcr2013201015. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201015 [MEDLINE]
- Albuterol administration is commonly associated with increases in serum lactate in patients with asthma treated for acute exacerbation of asthma. Chest. 2014 Jan;145(1):53-9 [MEDLINE]
- Conundrum in an asthma exacerbation. BMJ Case Rep. 2016 May 10;2016. pii: bcr2016214360. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-214360 [MEDLINE]
Diabetes Mellitus (see Diabetes Mellitus)
- Closing the anion gap: contribution of D-lactate to diabetic ketoacidosis. Clin Chim Acta. 2011 Jan;412(3-4):286-91 [MEDLINE]
- Diabetes, metformin and lactic acidosis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2011 Feb;74(2):191-6 [MEDLINE]
Isoniazid (see Isoniazid)
- Isoniazid toxicity: reports of lactic acidosis and keratitis. Chest. 1971 Mar;59(3):245-8. doi: 10.1378/chest.59.3.245 [MEDLINE]
- Profound acidosis caused by isoniazid ingestion. Am J Emerg Med. 1987 Mar;5(2):165-6. doi: 10.1016/0735-6757(87)90098-2 [MEDLINE]
- Oral pyridoxine can substitute for intravenous pyridoxine in managing patients with severe poisoning with isoniazid and rifampicin fixed dose combination tablets: a case report. BMC Res Notes. 2017 Aug 8;10(1):370. doi: 10.1186/s13104-017-2678-6 [MEDLINE]
Linezolid (see Linezolid)
- A case of lactic acidosis induced by linezolid. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2010 Apr;6(4):236-42 [MEDLINE]
- Rapid-onset, linezolid-induced lactic acidosis in MELAS. Mitochondrion. 2011 Nov;11(6):992-3 [MEDLINE]
Metformin (see Metformin)
- Systematic review of current guidelines, and their evidence base, on risk of lactic acidosis after administration of contrast medium for patients receiving metformin. Radiology Jan 2010; 254:261-269 [MEDLINE]
Methemoglobinemia (see Methemoglobinemia)
- Transient methemoglobinemia with acidosis in infants. J Pediatr. 1982;100(3):415 [MEDLINE]
Neoplasm
- Burkitt’s lymphoma presenting with lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia – a case presentation. Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Feb;46(2):281-3. doi: 10.1080/10428190400016723 [MEDLINE]
- Targeting lactate metabolism for cancer therapeutics. J Clin Invest 2013; 123: 3685-92 [MEDLINE]
- Beyond Warburg effect – dual metabolic nature of cancer cells. Sci Rep 2014; 4: 4927 [MEDLINE]
- The Warburg Effect and the Hallmarks of Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2017;17(2):164-170. doi: 10.2174/1871520616666161031143301 [MEDLINE]
- Type B lactic acidosis: a rare oncological emergency. BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Mar 31;13(3):e233068. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233068 [MEDLINE]
- Lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia as markers of disease progression of multiple myeloma: A case report. EJHaem. 2021 May 5;2(3):539-544. doi: 10.1002/jha2.176. eCollection 2021 Aug [MEDLINE]
Propofol (see Propofol)
- Propofol infusion syndrome. Anaesthesia. 2007;62(7):690 [MEDLINE]
Other
- Effects of fructose infusion on lactate and uric acid metabolism. Lancet. 1971 Feb 20;1(7695):366-9 [MEDLINE]
Treatment
- Bicarbonate does not improve hemodynamics in critically ill patients who have lactic acidosis: a prospective, controlled clinical study. Ann Intern Med 1990, 112:492-498 [MEDLINE]
- Effects of bicarbonate therapy on hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation in patients with lactic acidosis: a prospective, controlled clinical study. Crit Care Med 1991, 19:1352-1356 [MEDLINE]
- Bicarbonate therapy in severe metabolic acidosis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009;20:692-695 [MEDLINE]
- Early lactate-guided therapy in intensive care unit patients: a multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010;182: 752-61 [MEDLINE]
- Treatment of acute metabolic acidosis: a pathophysiologic approach. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2012 Oct;8(10):589-601. doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2012.186. Epub 2012 Sep 4 [MEDLINE]