Causes Of Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a common metabolic acidosis characterized by elevated serum lactate levels and decreased blood pH. It is crucial to understand the various causes of lactic acidosis to ensure appropriate treatment and management.

Type A Lactic Acidosis: Hypoxic Causes

Tissue Hypoxia and Hypoperfusion

The most common cause of lactic acidosis is tissue hypoxia, classified as type A lactic acidosis. This condition arises when the body must regenerate ATP without sufficient oxygen, leading to anaerobic metabolism and lactate overproduction. Common scenarios include sepsis, multi-organ failure, circulatory disorders, pulmonary issues, and hemoglobin transfer disorders .

Malaria

In patients with severe malaria, lactic acidosis is often observed due to increased lactate production from the metabolism of intraerythrocytic Plasmodium parasites, aerobic glycolysis by activated immune cells, and anaerobic glycolysis in hypoxic tissues. Additionally, impaired hepatic and renal lactate clearance exacerbates the condition.

Type B Lactic Acidosis: Non-Hypoxic Causes

Drug Side-Effects and Toxins

Type B lactic acidosis occurs without tissue hypoxia and can be caused by various factors, including drug side-effects and toxins. Metformin, a common diabetes medication, has been associated with lactic acidosis, particularly in patients with renal or cardiac dysfunction . Other drugs and toxins can also contribute to lactate overproduction or impaired clearance.

Enzymatic Defects and Thiamine Deficiency

Enzymatic defects, whether inherited or acquired, can lead to lactic acidosis by disrupting normal lactate metabolism. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, for instance, impairs pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, leading to lactate accumulation. This condition can be seen in patients with advanced malignancies, such as lung cancer .

Liver and Kidney Disease

The liver and kidneys play significant roles in lactate clearance. Liver disease can impair lactate metabolism, while kidney dysfunction can reduce lactate excretion, both contributing to lactic acidosis .

Diabetes and Alcohol Abuse

In diabetic patients, lactic acidosis can result from various factors, including alcohol abuse, which exacerbates metabolic disturbances. Metformin treatment in elderly diabetic patients with renal impairment also poses a risk.

Conclusion

Lactic acidosis is a multifaceted condition with both hypoxic (type A) and non-hypoxic (type B) causes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, such as tissue hypoxia, drug side-effects, enzymatic defects, and organ dysfunction, is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and management of the root causes are crucial to improving patient outcomes.

Causes of lactic acidosis

Summary

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