Metabolic acidosis following jejunoileal bypass

Lactic acidosis: from sour milk to septic shock

Lactic acidosis is frequently encountered in the intensive care unit. It occurs when there is an imbalance between production and clearance of lactate. Although lactic acidosis is often associated with a high anion gap and is generally defined as a lactate level >5 mmol/L and a serum pH <7.35, the presence of hypoalbuminemia may mask the anion gap and concomitant alkalosis may raise the pH. The causes of lactic acidosis are traditionally divided into impaired tissue oxygenation (Type A) and disorders in which tissue oxygenation is maintained (Type B). Lactate level is often used as a prognostic indicator and may be predictive of a favorable outcome if it normalizes within 48 hours. The routine measurement of serum lactate, however, should not determine therapeutic interventions. Unfortunately, treatment options remain limited and should be aimed at discontinuation of any offending drugs, treatment of the underlying pathology, and maintenance of organ perfusion. The mainstay of therapy of lactic acidosis remains prevention.

D-lactic acidosis: pathologic consequence of saprophytism

In this report, we describe a 50-year-old woman with a short bowel who had recurrent episodes of weakness, ataxia, slurred speech, confusion, and nausea. D-Lactic acidosis was diagnosed on the basis of a D-lactate level of 8.2 mmol/L (normal, 0 to 0.25) obtained during an episode of confusion. D-Lactic acidosis is a potentially fatal clinical condition seen in patients with a short small intestine and an intact colon. Excessive production of D-lactate by abnormal bowel flora overwhelms normal metabolism of D-lactate and leads to an accumulation of this enantiomer in the blood. This disorder provides insight into the role of intestinal flora in human metabolism and demonstrates the manner in which altered intestinal flora can produce disease in humans. Increased awareness of D-lactic acidosis is necessary for prompt and appropriate treatment. The pathophysiology and treatment of D-lactic acidosis are reviewed.