Evaluation of Blood Lactate Concentrations as A Marker for Resuscitation and Prognosis in Patients with Major Burns

Abstract

T he correlation between serum lactate and clinical outcome has been well accepted in hemorrhagic and septic shock. However, studies on its use in predicting mortality and morbidity of major burn patients in particular is sparse. Early prediction of outcome in patients with major burn is very likely to aid suitable modification of management strategies. This may improve prognosis in such patients. This study was a step in that direction. Although those studies reiterate the importance of blood lactate in predicting mortality in burn patients, the role of it as a marker in therapy titration is ambiguous. Overzealous fluid resuscitation can cause fluid overload and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also, there is not much regional data are available to establish the importance of blood lactate. We have demonstrated the associations of blood lactate in the first 36 hours of burn injury with mortality. Further large multicenter prospective studies are required. The aim of this study was to assess the role of serum lactate measurement as the predictor burn patient's outcome (survivors and non-survivors). 30 patients with major burn (more than 20% of TBSA) were included. This includes operated/ non-operated patients. Of the 30 patients, 20 were males and 10 were females.