Evaluation of Serum Lactate as Predictor of Morbidity and Mortality in Sepsis and Trauma Cases

Background and objectives:Utility of serial serum lactate measurement to find patients in occult hypotension and its use in treating critically ill patients. Design:Prospective non interventional observation study in RGGGH. Method:50 patients admitted with either trauma or suspected sepsis, whose icu stay is more than 48 hours, were followed till mortality or icu stay >7 daya or <7 days. Serial serum lactate measured at 0 th ,12 th ,24 th , 36 th hour in all 50 patients. Serum lactate level and the patient outcome were compared. Result:Serum lactate at zero hour (p=0.000), 12 th hour(p=0.000), 24 th hour(p=0.000) and 36 th hour(p=0.000) were statistically more accurate in predicting the outcome of the critically ill patient. Serum lactate is an individual prognostic factor and is useful to identify sick patients early, before MODS sets in.