We often trend lactate in critical illness. We use it as a marker of hypoperfusion in shock and as a guide to fluid volume resuscitation. But, why does it matter (or does it matter)? It’s pretty clear that elevated lactate in critical illness is not a great sign. But what does it mean and do we need to trend it? @eddyjoemd goes through the evidence for us, showing us why elevated lactate is bad and why we should trend it (or maybe why there really is a better trend we should be using instead).
Update: There is a great episode of his Saving Lives podcast on this as well. Just listened to it on my morning walk! Listen here.
critical care notes 