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Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a life threatening metabolic condition caused by the build up of lactic acid in the body. Lactic acid is a by-product of the breakdown of carbohydrates in the body. Cells are made up of many smaller parts, one of which is the mitochondria. The cells' energy powerhouse, mitochondria are responsible for converting food (including glucose) into energy. When these cell constituents are not working right or do not have enough oxygen available to produce energy, lactic acid can build up and lead to lactic acidosis.

There are a number of conditions and factors that can increase one's risk of developing lactic acidosis. The complication of diabetes, called ketoacidosis, can increase a person's risk of developing lactic acidosis. Lactate, a compound very similar to lactic acid and involved in the metabolic function, is processed through the liver. If lactic acidosis develops, the liver can have a difficult time keeping up. Liver damage, therefore, can be caused by lactic acidosis. Shock, hypoxia, anoxia, and sepsis are medical conditions that have also been associated with lactic acidosis. Women and people who are overweight also seem to be at greater risk of developing lactic acidosis.

There are also some medications that can cause lactic acidosis. The family of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) is toxic to the mitochondria. Thus, lactic acidosis can be caused by these medications. The NRTIs approved by the FDA include Combivir, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Hivid, Retrovir, Zerit, Viread, Videx, and Trizivir.

The key to successful recovery is early detection and treatment of lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, stomach pain, weakness or discoloration of the arms and legs, and an abnormal heart beat.

To diagnosis lactic acidosis, a physician can perform blood tests to determine the lactate, electrolyte, and pH levels of the blood and test the liver function. The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination, which careful evaluation of the liver. A CT scan or ultrasound may also be preformed to diagnose lactic acidosis.

Treatment for lactic acidosis depends on the underlying cause. If the cause of lactic acidosis is a certain medication, a doctor may recommend that a patient stop using that medication. If out of control diabetes is the cause of lactic acidosis, control the glucose levels in the blood may help to treat the condition. Direct treatment of the underlying condition can greatly improve a patient's lactic acidosis. A physician may also use other lactic acidosis treatments depending on the patient's specific condition.

 

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