Lactate, the intensivist’s friend and the athlete’s enemy. As intensivists we always ask about the lactate as it’s a great indicator of problems afoot.
But where does it come from? What does it signify? Is lactate itself actually bad? Does it cause damage? Does CRRT reduce lactate (hint: yes, but no).
And for prognostication, what lactate numbers should we be (most) worried about. Starting lactate, 6h, 24h, AUC, or reduction?
A mixture of basic science, experience, papers, and numbers. Intensivist heaven. Enjoy!
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