Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Lactic acidosis Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Lactic acidosis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Lactic acidosis laboratory findings On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

CDC on Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

Lactic acidosis laboratory findings in the news

Blogs on Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

Directions to Hospitals Treating Lactic acidosis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Lactic acidosis laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saud Khan M.D.

Laboratory Findings

  • Blood tests are used to check electrolyte levels typically showing a low plasma bicarbonate (<22 mmol/L). Lactate levels in the blood are continuously monitored.
  • Arterial blood gases usually show a metabolic acidosis (pH <7.35 with low or normal pCO2). In the absence of obvious acidic toxins or ketone bodies, the situation points to lactic acidosis. The anion gap will be elevated in lactic acidosis. The anion gap should be calculated as below:
    • The anion gap is the difference between the sum of the cations (sodium plus potassium) and the anions (chloride plus bicarbonate),
      • ([Na mmol/L] + [K mmol/L]) − ([Cl mmol/L] + [HCO3 mmol/L]).
  • Keep in mind that clinically significant hyperlactataemia can occur in the absence of a raised anion gap.
  • Samples for lactate estimation should be taken from arterial or mixed central venous sites, since peripheral values may reflect local rather than systemic concentrations.
  • Further investigations aimed at detecting the underlying cause should be requested as thought necessary. Blood, urine and other cultures are useful for detecting occult septic causes.
  • References


Template:WikiDoc Sources