Exploring the association of serum lactate with mortality in sepsis: a prospective study

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and lethal outcome. Important signs of septic shock include systemic arterial hypotension, tissue and organ hypoperfusion, and hyperlactatemia. Patients with septic shock and reduced lactate clearance due to sepsis-induced liver and renal dysfunction are at increased risk of mortality. Objective. To determine the association between serum lactate levels on admission and hospital mortality in patients with sepsis. Results. A total of 194 patients with sepsis were included in the study: 102 (53%) females and 92 (47%) males. Out of 194 patients, 13 died (mortality 7%). The mean serum lactate level in deceased patients was 5.75 ± 3.5 mmol/L, in surviving patients – 2.7 ± 1.97 mmol/L. Conclusion. High serum lactate levels are associated with mortality in patients with sepsis. The lactate level greater than 5 mmol/L is a significant independent predictor of mortality. The baseline lactate level on admission can be used in the development of an individualized treatment plan. Key words: sepsis, serum lactate, mortality, correlation