Lactic acidosis

Lactic acid
L-(+)-lactic acid
Specialty	Endocrinology

Lactic acidosis refers to the process leading to the production of lactate by anaerobic metabolism. It increases hydrogen ion concentration tending to the state of acidemia or low pH. The result can be detected with high levels of lactate and low levels of bicarbonate. This is usually considered the result of illness but also results from strenuous exercise. The effect on pH is moderated by the presence of respiratory compensation.

Lactic acidosis is usually the result of tissue hypoxia which is not the same as arterial hypoxia. Adequate circulation of blood and perfusion of metabolizing tissue to meet demand is necessary to prevent tissue hypoxia. Lactic acidosis can also be the result of illnesses, medications, poisonings or inborn errors of metabolism that interfere directly with oxygen utilization by cells.^[1]

The symptoms are generally attributable to the underlying cause, but may include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and generalised weakness.

The diagnosis is made on biochemical analysis of blood (often initially on arterial blood gas samples), and once confirmed, generally prompts an investigation to establish the underlying cause to treat the acidosis. In some situations, hemofiltration (purification of the blood) is temporarily required. In rare chronic forms of lactic acidosis caused by mitochondrial disease, a specific diet or dichloroacetate may be used. The prognosis of lactic acidosis depends largely on the underlying cause; in some situations (such as severe infections), it indicates an increased risk of death.