May 10, 2016
Summary by: Rosy Wang
Lactate has been viewed as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism
and an indicator of tissue hypoperfusion since the 1900s. This
theory is still widely believed. Paul busts the myths surrounding
lactic acidosis, anaerobic metabolism, tissue hypoxia and the role
of lactate in sepsis.
Key take-away facts include:
- The production of lactate actually consumes hydrogen ions. Lactic
acidosis is really lactic alkalosis.
- Lactate is produced physiologically and is a precursor for
gluconeogenesis.
- During exercise, skeletal muscle exports lactate as the primary
fuel for the heart and brain.
- At VO2max, intracellular oxygen stays the same. Anaerobic
metabolism in cells only occur as a pre-terminal event. The
exception is in complete arterial occlusion.
- Adrenaline promotes lactate production
- Lactate infusion has been shown to increase cardiac output in
septic and cardiogenic shock
- Lactate is a survival advantage!