To determine the prognosis on the serum lactate and base deficit values in Nonsurvivors of sepsis

Abstract

Background: The charts of 50 consecutive surgical admissions intensive care unit (ICU) All patients were admitted to the ICU by the Causality department for the identified purpose of resuscitation from shock due to trauma, Burns, or as a consequence of a major abdominal catastrophe. Vascular and cardiothoracic patients were excluded. All patients had both serial lactate and base deficit measurements determined simultaneously. Conclusion: An analysis of observation revealed higher mean lactate levels in non survivor as compared to survivors. Also mean values in serum lactate levels in nonsurvivors did not attain normal levels by 18 hrs in trauma patients and normal levels in sepsis patients. Both lactate and base deficit values that increase serially or persist at high levels indicate ongoing worsening of patient condition, which may be unrecognized otherwise, and the need for more aggressive treatment. They also hint at the need for greater resources of the hospital and the patient.