Serum lactate as a predictor of outcome of sepsis – study

Introduction: Serum Lactate is known to be elevated in subjects with sepsis. Increased blood lactate levels are common in critically ill patients. Some studies revealed its association with prediction of morbidity and mortality. Hence this study was taken up to assess the levels of serum lactate in sepsis and its outcome. Materials and Method: This study comprised of age and sex matched groups consisting of 100 healthy individuals and 100 patients with septicemia who were admitted in MICU. Blood samples were collected and serum lactate levels were analyzed. Results: It was observed that serum lactate altered significantly (P< 0.0001) in subjects with sepsis when compared with healthy control group. The serum lactate levels were raised significantly high in cases with sepsis with outcome as death (P< 0.0001) in comparison to the subjects who had recovery. Conclusion: Hence serial lactate measurements would be useful as a very good predictor of morbidity and mortality during the course of sepsis in elderly individuals