Lactic acidosis in critically ill patients.

Lactic acidosis is defined as increase in blood lactate levels in association with acidemia. It should be suspected in all patients presenting with shock & decreased mayocardial contractility. The patients with lactic acidosis have high mortality. However, the prognosis and case fatality are completely dependent on underlying disease in each patient with lactic acidosis being an independent indicator of severity of shock. All efforts should be directed towards treatment of underlying cause and concomitant correction of acidosis.