Table 3

Causes of lactic acidosis in the postoperative surgical patient

Increased lactate productionReduced lactate clearance1. Exogenous administration

  • Increased anaerobic metabolism

  • Accelerated glycolysis

  • Increased pyruvate concentrations

  • Liver disease

  • Impaired gluconeogenesis

  • Renal failure

  • Decreased mitochondrial metabolism

  • Lactate containing fluids