American journal of surgery
-
Despite successful initial resuscitation, septic shock frequently evolves into multiple system organ failure (MSOF) and death. Since blood lactate levels can reflect the degree of cellular derangements, we examined the relation between serial blood lactate levels and the development of MSOF, or mortality, in patients with septic shock. ⋯ In patients with septic shock, serial determinations of blood lactate levels are good predictors of the development of MSOF an death. In this respect, the duration of lactic acidosis is more important than the initial lactate value. Although a number of factors may contribute to hyperlactatemia, these observations are compatible with a direct role of prolonged tissue hypoxia in the development of complications following septic shock.