Journal of nephrology
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Journal of nephrology · Jul 2002
Review Case ReportsMetformin-associated lactic acidosis: case reports and literature review.
Lactic acidosis is a widely recognized, though rare, side effect of metformin. This paper describes five patients admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 1 September 1998 to 31 May 2001 suffering severe lactic acidosis caused by metformin, and reviews the literature. ⋯ Lactic acidosis is a serious reaction to metformin, and hemodialysis (the treatment of choice) should be done urgently to prevent serious complications. MALA should be suspected in patients presenting with wide anion gap metabolic acidosis and high blood lactate, even when they are non-diabetic.