Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a medical condition characterized by the buildup of lactate (especially L-lactate) in the body, which results in an excessively low pH in the bloodstream. It is a form of metabolic acidosis, in which excessive acid accumulates due to a problem with the body's metabolism of lactic acid.

Causes

Lactic acidosis is typically the result of an underlying acute or chronic medical condition, medication, or poisoning. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are highly variable and can be nonspecific, such as weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

Type A

Type A lactic acidosis, the most serious form, occurs when the body's oxygen level drops significantly. It can be caused by severe illness, such as sepsis or shock, or conditions that cause a reduced supply of blood to tissues, such as heart failure or pulmonary embolism.

Type B

Type B lactic acidosis is less severe and is not associated with tissue hypoxia. It can be caused by certain diseases, such as liver disease or cancer, certain drugs or toxins, such as metformin or alcohol, or certain rare inherited forms of lactic acidosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of lactic acidosis is based on blood tests that show a high lactate level and a low pH. Other tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

The treatment of lactic acidosis depends on the underlying cause. In general, the goal of treatment is to correct the metabolic imbalance by treating the underlying condition, stopping drug use, or reversing the effects of poisoning.

See also

• Metabolic acidosis
• Lactate dehydrogenase
• Lactic acid

References

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