Lactic Acidosis Workup

Emerging technologies, such as noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy, that look at the correlation between tissue perfusion and lactate levels, continue to be studied. At this time, several studies have identified good correlation with tissue perfusion and lactate clearance as markers of improved resuscitation and outcomes.^[19]

In many cases, the suggestion of lactic acidosis arises because of laboratory evidence of metabolic acidosis without an obvious etiology. Because the mortality rate of patients who develop lactic acidosis is high, prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying cause remain the only realistic hope for improving survival.

Biochemical markers of impaired tissue perfusion may be useful, because they are indicative of end-organ failure, whereas hemodynamic patterns can vary in different patient groups.^{[11, 12]}

During the workup of a patient with metabolic acidosis, as indicated by low plasma bicarbonate and low pH on arterial blood gas (ABG) determinations (bicarbonate less than 22 mmol/L and pH less than 7.35), calculation of the serum anion gap may provide further clues to the etiology. The anion gap is the difference between measured cations and measured anions and is calculated by the following formula:

Anion gap = sodium - (chloride + bicarbonate)

The normal anion gap may vary depending on the laboratory, but it generally ranges from 8-12 mmol/L. Furthermore, the normal value for the anion gap must be adjusted in patients with hypoalbuminemia. Reduction in serum albumin by 10 g/L reduces the normal value for anion gap by 2.5 mmol/L.

An elevated anion gap can be observed with renal failure and organic acidosis, such as lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, and certain poisonings. However, clinically significant hyperlactatemia may occur in the absence of an increased anion gap. Hypoalbuminemia may falsely normalize the anion gap. Albumin has a strongly negative charge and makes up a substantial portion of the clinically unmeasured anion concentration. The decrease in anion gap caused by hypoalbuminemia also may mask coexisting hyperlactatemia.

In many patients, neither the anion gap nor the arterial pH may reflect the presence or severity of lactic acidosis. Therefore, the most accurate assessment of the severity of lactic acidosis is direct measurement of lactic level.

In the past, lactate assays were difficult and tedious. Newer autoanalyzers can rapidly and accurately measure blood, serum, or plasma lactate levels within minutes.

Either arterial blood or a mixed venous sample is preferable, because the peripheral venous specimen may reflect regional, rather than systemic, lactate concentrations. The blood specimen should be immediately transported on ice and analyzed without delay, because blood cells continue to produce lactate in vitro and falsely elevate the concentration.

In some instances, the sample can be collected in special tubes containing a glycolytic inhibitor, such as sodium fluoride or iodoacetic acid.

In patients with circulatory shock, lactate elevation above 2.5 mmol/L is associated with excessive mortality. If circulatory failure develops, serial lactate values are helpful in following the course of the hypoperfusion state and the response to therapeutic interventions.

No significant differences in lactate levels are noted in arterial and venous blood samples. The concentration of serum lactate must be measured as quickly as possible (within 4 h of collection) in a sample transported on ice. The advent of bedside point-of-care testing has allowed for more rapid evaluation and management of resuscitation. The normal serum lactate level is less than 2 mmol/L. Values above 4-5 mmol/L in the setting of acidemia are indicative of lactic acidosis.

In hypoperfused states, persistent lactate elevation is associated with excessive mortality. If circulatory failure develops, serial lactate values are helpful in following the course of the hypoperfusion state and the response to therapeutic interventions.

The base deficit, derived from blood gas analysis, gives an approximation of tissue acidosis, an indirect evaluation tissue perfusion. However, several studies have been conducted finding poor correlation between serum lactate and base deficit levels. However, the presence of an acidemia is required for the diagnosis.