Lactic acidosis

Abstract

Advances in the understanding of lactate metabolism have allowed insights into the pathogenesis of lactic acidosis. Despite this progress, however, the development of hyperlactatemia remains an index of the gravity of the patient's condition and is commonly the harbinger of the patient's impending demise. The mainstay of therapy for lactic acidosis continues to center around efforts to improve or eradicate the underlying cause or predisposing condition, coupled with the careful and restrained administration of sodium bicarbonate to prevent or treat critical acidemia. Clinical research should continue with the promising investigational agent DCA to define its proper role in the treatment of the various forms of lactic acidosis.