Abstract:

Lactic acidosis results from the accumulation of lactate and protons in the body fluids, and is often associated with poor clinical outcomes. Mortality is increased by a factor of nearly three times when lactic acidosis accompanies lowflow states or sepsis, and the higher the lactate level, the worse the outcome. Although hyperlactatemia is often attributed to tissue hypoxia, it can result from other mechanisms. Control of the triggering conditions is the only effective means of treatment. However, advances in understanding its pathogenesis could lead to new therapies. This paper overview the pathogenesis of lactic acidosis, as well as the diagnosis and management.

Key words: lactic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, etiology, therapy