Conclusion
Lactic acidosis is frequent in patients with septic shock and is associated with an impaired outcome. Measurements of blood lactate concentrations are useful to detect occult tissue hypoxia and to monitor the effects of therapy. Even though hyperlactatemia can be due to other causes than tissue hypoxia, and in particular to inflammatory processes so that hemodynamic interventions may not always be warranted, the rapid recognition of lactic acidosis is essential as it allows the provision of early interventions that can be lifesaving.
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De Backer, D. (2006). Lactic Acidosis in Critically Ill Septic Patients. In: Ortiz-Ruiz, G., Perafán, M.A., Faist, E., Castell, C.D. (eds) Sepsis. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-34574-4_11
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