Knowra Lactic acidosis Lactic acidosis Lactic acidosis is metabolic acidosis associated with elevated blood lactate and impaired acid–base balance. It commonly reflects excess lactate production, reduced clearance, or both.
Lactate metabolism : The production, transport, and use of lactate in cells and tissues. Production and clearance determine whether blood lactate accumulates.
Septic shock : Life-threatening circulatory and cellular dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Sepsis can raise lactate through altered perfusion, cellular metabolism, and clearance.
Type A lactic acidosis : Lactic acidosis associated with inadequate tissue oxygen delivery or utilization, often during shock or severe hypoxemia. This subtype centers on impaired oxygen availability or use.
Lactic acid : An organic acid whose conjugate base, lactate, is present in blood and tissues under physiological conditions. The familiar name can mislead: lactate, not persistent lactic acid, is measured in blood.
Anaerobic glycolysis : Glucose breakdown that yields ATP while converting pyruvate to lactate when oxidative metabolism is limited. Accelerated glycolysis can raise lactate production during oxygen limitation or intense metabolic stress.
Hypovolemic shock : A state of inadequate tissue perfusion caused by severe loss of circulating blood or fluid volume. Poor tissue perfusion can drive lactate production and accompany lactic acidosis.
Type B lactic acidosis : Lactic acidosis occurring without evident tissue hypoxia, associated with drugs, diseases, or metabolic dysfunction. This subtype highlights causes beyond low oxygen delivery.
Blood pH : A measure of hydrogen-ion activity in blood, normally maintained within a narrow range. Acidemia is defined by low blood pH, not by lactate concentration alone.
Cori cycle : The exchange in which lactate from peripheral tissues travels to the liver and is converted back to glucose. The liver's reuse of lactate is a major route for its clearance.
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis : A rare, serious syndrome of lactic acidosis associated with metformin exposure, especially when drug accumulation or critical illness occurs. It is a specific medication-associated presentation requiring prompt assessment.
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