Journal of Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine 2011 , Vol 2 , Issue 3
Lactic Acidosis: A Short Review of Cases
Gökhan Sargın1, İrfan Yavaşoğlu2, Gürhan Kadıköylü2, Zahit Bolaman2
1Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Aydın, Türkiye
2Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Hematoloji Bilim Dalı, Aydın, Türkiye
DOI : 10.5152/dcbybd.2011.14

Summary

Lactic acidosis, which is caused by a high anion concentration due to metabolic acidosis, occurs when the plasma lactate concentration exceeds 4 to 5 millimoles/litre (mmol/L) (normal range: 0.5-1.5 mmol/L). Lactate accumulation results from increased metabolism or decreased excretion. Lactic acidosis cases often occurs in intensive care units. In order to carry out effective treatment, the primary aim must be the reversal of the causes underlying the disease. Today, various methods are used to treat lactic acidosis. We have reviewed the occurrence of lactic acidosis in two cases in light of the current literature. Lactic acidosis can have quite serious consequences, and clinicians must be very careful while managing patients with lactic acidosis.