Podcast #267: Causes of Very High Lactate

Author: Dylan Luyten, M.D.

Educational Pearls

• Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, a sign of dying tissue. Dangerous causes of high lactates will not normalize with repeat labs.
• Crush injuries, seizures, bowel necrosis, end-stage liver disease, and metformin toxicity are common causes of highly elevated lactate.

References: https://lifeinthefastlane.com/ccc/lactic-acidosis/