Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Plasma lactate concentrations in septic peritonitis: A retrospective study of 83 dogs (2007-2012).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Cortellini, Stefano et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Science and Services · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at 83 dogs with a serious condition called septic peritonitis, which is an infection in the abdominal cavity. The researchers wanted to see if the level of lactate in the blood could help predict how well the dogs would do. They found that dogs with higher lactate levels when they were admitted were more likely to not survive, and those who couldn't lower their lactate levels within six hours also had a higher chance of not making it. Overall, the findings suggest that measuring lactate levels can be helpful for veterinarians in understanding the severity of the condition and predicting outcomes for these dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine if absolute plasma lactate concentration or lactate clearance in dogs with septic peritonitis is associated with morbidity or mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study from 2007 to 2012. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Eighty-three dogs with septic peritonitis were included. Patients had at least 1 plasma lactate measurement during the course of the hospitalization. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of the patients survived to discharge, 22% were euthanized, and 14% died during hospitalization. Plasma lactate concentration >2.5 mmol/L on admission (29% of the patients) was associated with mortality (P = 0.001). Median admission plasma lactate concentration (n = 81) was significantly different between nonsurvivors (2.5 mmol/L, range 0.5-8.4) and survivors (1.4 mmol/L, range 0.5-9.7; P = 0.007). Admission plasma lactate concentration >4 mmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 92% for nonsurvival. The inability to normalize plasma lactate concentration within 6 hours of admission (n = 10/24) yielded a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 100% for nonsurvival. Postoperative hyperlactatemia (plasma lactate concentration >2 mmol/L; n = 18/76) had a sensitivity of 46% and specificity of 88% for nonsurvival. Persistent postoperative hyperlactatemia (n = 11/18) had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 100% for nonsurvival. Lactate clearance less than 21% at 6 hours (n = 20) had a sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 91% for nonsurvival. Lactate clearance less than 42% at 12 hours (n = 18) had a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 100% for nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS: Admission plasma lactate concentration and lactate clearance were good prognostic indicators in dogs with septic peritonitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25212787/