Lactic acidosis is a life-threatening metabolic acidosis and can be improved by appropriate medical treatment. It is generally defined as a serum lactate concentration above 4 mmol/L. It is associated with increased anaerobic metabolism due to several conditions such as decreased blood flow, drugs, toxins and septic shock. Impaired tissue oxygenation and decreased lactate clearance primarily by the liver can lead to increased lactate levels. Arterial blood gas analysis is very important to evaluate a patientÂ’s lactate levels and oxygenation. Early diagnosis of these patients would help to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Key words: Lactic acidosis, anion gap, metabolic acidosis
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