Association between blood lactate levels, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment subscores, and 28-day mortality during early and late intensive care unit stay: A retrospective observational study*

Blood lactate levels were strongly related to SOFA scores. This relationship was stronger during the early phase of intensive care unit stay, which provides additional indirect support for early resuscitation to prevent organ failure. The results confirm that hyperlactatemia can be considered as a warning signal for organ failure.