Too much lactate or too little liver?

Comparison of bicarbonate Ringer's solution with lactated Ringer's solution among postoperative outcomes in patients with laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy: a single-centre randomised controlled trial

The study was aimed to investigate the positive impact of bicarbonate Ringer's solution on postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy. Patients in the two groups were infused with lactated Ringer's solution (LRS, n = 38) and the bicarbonate Ringer's solution (BRS, n = 38) at a rate of 5 ml·kg-1·h-1. The stroke volume was monitored and 200 ml of hydroxyethyl starch with 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection (Hes) of a bolus was given in the first 5-10 min. The main outcome was to test lactic acid (LAC) concentration before and after surgery. The concentrations of LAC in the LRS group were higher than in the BRS group at 2 h after operation began, at the end of the operation and 2 h after the operation. Overall, the parameters including pH, base excess (BE), HCO3-, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were improved. The values of bilirubin in the LRS group were higher and albumin were lower than in the BRS group at post-operation 1st and 2nd day (P<0.05). The time of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the LRS group were longer than that in the BRS group at post-operation 1st and 2nd day (P<0.05). Likewise, the concentrations of Mg2+, Na+ and K+ also varied significantly. The length of hospital was reduced, and the incidence of premature ventricular contractions (P = 0.042) and total complications (P = 0.016) were lower in group BRS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at clinicalTrials.gov with the number ChiCTR2000038077 on 09/09/2020.

Sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution for hemorrhagic shock: A meta-analysis comparing crystalloid solutions

BACKGROUND

The choice of fluid resuscitation in Traumatic Hemorrhagic shock (THS) remains a critical aspect of patient management. Bicarbonated Ringers solution (BRS) has shown promise due to its composition resembling human Extracellular Fluid and its potential benefits on hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, mortality rates, hemodynamic effects, and adverse outcomes of Sodium Bicarbonate Ringer's Solution in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock, as compared to other relevant interventions.

METHOD

A comprehensive examination of the available literature was performed by conducting systematic searches in prominent databases such as Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed. The process employed predefined criteria to extract relevant data and evaluate the quality of the studies. The outcome measures considered encompassed survival rates, mortality, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and adverse events.

RESULT

The meta-analysis of three studies showed that compared to the other crystalloids, the use of BRS had an odds ratio for survival of 1.86 (95% CI: 0.94, 3.71; p = 0.08; I2 = 0%), an odds ratio for total adverse events of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.35; p < 0.0001; I2 = 22%), a mean difference in heart rate of -4.49 (95% CI: -7.55, -1.44; p = 0.004; I2 = 13%), and a mean difference in mean arterial pressure of 2.31 (95% CI: -0.85, 5.47; p = 0.15; I2 = 66%).

CONCLUSION

BRS demonstrated a significant reduction in complications, including adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MODS), and Total Adverse Effects, when compared to other solutions in the treatment of THS. Additionally, THS patients resuscitated with BRS experienced a notable decrease in heart rate. The findings suggest BRS may contribute to organ stability and potential survival improvement due to its similarity to human Extracellular Fluid and minimal impact on the liver.

Perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for BCLC stage A large hepatocellular carcinoma patients in difficult segments: A two-centre, propensity score matching analysis

Background

The differences in short- and long-term outcome between laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for BCLC stage A large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in difficult segments (I, IVa, VII, VIII) remain unclear. This PSM two-centre study aimed to compare perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of LLR with OLR for this HCC.

Methods

HCC patients with BCLC stage A who underwent OLR or LLR in two medical centres were enrolled in the study. PSM analysis was performed to match patients between the LLR cohort and OLR cohort. Survival was analysed based on the Kaplan–Meier method. Independent risk factors were identified by Cox regression.

Results

After PSM, 35 patients remained in the LLR cohort, and 84 remained in the OLR cohort. Patients in the LLR cohort had more intraoperative blood loss (p=0.036) and shorter hospital stays after surgery (p&lt;0.001). The LLR cohort and OLR cohort had no difference in intraoperative blood transfusion, surgical margin or postoperative short-term outcomes. The OS and RFS were not significantly different between the two cohorts. The OS and RFS of these two cohorts were not different in the subgroup analysis. Surgical margin was identified as an independent risk factor for tumour recurrence.

Conclusion

For BCLC stage A large HCC patients with lesions in difficult segments, LLR was feasible and had shorter hospital stay than OLR. In addition, a surgical margin ≥1 cm could significantly decrease the recurrence probability for large HCC located in different segments without compromising short-term outcomes.

The effect of acetate Ringer's solution versus lactate Ringer's solution on acid base physiology in infants with biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

The choice of the perioperative crystalloid is a key component of the fluid management and must take into account the liver function and the appearing metabolic disorders to avoid increase the liver extra metabolism. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of acetate Ringer's solution or lactate Ringer's solution in biliary atresia patients.

METHODS

We included 68 infant patients aged between 21 ~ 65 d, ASA physical status II or III, who underwent elective Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, received either AR and LR for intravenous fluid resuscitation according to their group allocation. Lactate concentration, serum electrolytes and pH were noteded before skin incision (T₁), end of surgery (T₂) and postoperative 12 h. We also recorded the time of operation, stay of hospital, loss of blood and urinary, total volume of infusion of crystalloid.

RESULTS

Lactate level was significantly higher in Group LR than in Group AR patients at T₂ (0.76 ± 0.13 versus 0.57 ± 0.22, P = 0.03). Compared with T₃, sodium and chlorine were significantly higher in two groups at T₂ (145.2 ± 3.1 versus 143.4 ± 3.4 and 104.6 ± 3.7 versus 105.2 ± 2.1). No significant differences were noted in potassium, HCO₃^- and calcium. There was no statistically significant difference in pH. No glycopenia was recorded in two groups. No significant difference was noted in administration of vasoactive drug (0.7% versus 1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Resuscitation with AR and LR was associated with similar clinical improvement in infants with biliary atresia. Use of AR reduced the level of lactate comparison with LR.

Bicarbonate Ringer's solution for early resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock rabbits

Background

Fluid resuscitation is important for correcting hypovolemia. Isotonic crystalloids are the preferred solution for the initial clinical management of patients with multiple traumas. Bicarbonated Ringer’s solution (BRS), offering physiological levels of bicarbonate ions and electrolyte ions, can be used for supplementing missing extracellular fluid and correcting metabolic acidosis. We here investigated the effects of BRS on the resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock models and compared the resuscitation performance of three crystalloids, including BRS, acetated Ringer’s solution (ARS), and normal saline.

Methods

Thirty adult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): a sham operation group (Sham group), an operation without fluid therapy group (Shock group), a BRS group, an ARS group, and a normal saline group (Saline group). The New Zealand rabbits experienced rapid bloodletting to shock status and maintained for 20 minutes except Sham group. The status of shock was maintained in the Shock group. The fluid was infused at a rate of 60 mL/kg per hour for 1.5 hours in three fluid therapy group. Measurement of vital signs, arterial blood gas tests, blood biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of lung tissue, TUNEL staining of the liver and kidney tissues, and analysis of intestinal flora were performed.

Results

The reduction in both base excess (BE) and bicarbonate ion (HCO₃^-) caused by acidosis in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock was significantly improved in the BRS group when compared with the Saline group at infusion for 30 minutes (T3) and 30 minutes after infusion (T5) (BRS group vs. Saline group, BE: at T3, −4.83±3.60 vs. −12.50±3.27 mmol/L, P<0.01; at T5, −3.67±4.37 vs. −11.00±2.76 mmol/L, P<0.01; HCO₃^-: at T3, 22.15±2.63 vs. 15.42±3.03 mmol/L, P<0.01; at T5, 23.15±2.9 vs. 16.23±3.07 mmol/L, P<0.01). Compared with Shock group, liver cell apoptosis due to hemorrhagic shock was relieved in both the BRS group and ARS group (BRS group vs. Shock group: 19.1±3.3 vs. 28.1±6.1, P<0.05; ARS group vs. Shock group: 19.8±5.4 vs. 28.1±6.1, P<0.05).

Conclusions

During resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock, BRS, a novel perioperative balanced crystalloid, is more effective than normal saline in maintaining acid-base balance and in protecting tissues and organs.

Effect of lactate versus acetate-based intravenous fluids on acid-base balance in patients undergoing free flap reconstructive surgeries

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Use of lactated intravenous fluids during long surgeries could cause lactate accumulation and lactic acidosis. Acetate-based solutions could be advantageous as they are devoid of lactate. The primary aim of the study was to assess the effect of use of an acetated solution or Ringer's lactate (RL) as intraoperative fluid on lactate levels in patients without hepatic dysfunction undergoing prolonged surgeries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving sixty patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I to II undergoing major head and neck surgeries with free flap reconstruction. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups, Group sterofundin (SF) and Group RL. Group SF was started on acetate-based crystalloid solution (sterofundin B Braun®) and Group RL received RL intravenously at the rate of 10 ml/kg/h to maintain systolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. Blood loss >20% was replaced with packed cells. Arterial blood gas analysis was done 2nd hourly till 8 h. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Independent sample t-test was used to compare means.

RESULTS

Intraoperative lactate levels were significantly high in RL group at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. The pH was comparable between groups except at 8 h where RL group had a significantly lower pH than SF group (7.42 ± 0.1 vs. 7.4 ± 0.1). Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and pCO2did not show any significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Use of acetate-based intravenous solutions reduced levels of lactate in comparison with RL in patients undergoing free flap reconstructive surgeries.

Hepatic Failure

The progression of liver disease can cause several physiologic derangements that may precipitate hepatic failure and require admission to an intensive care unit. The underlying pathology may be acute, acute-on chronic, or chronic in nature. Liver failure may manifest with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms that need prompt attention. The compromised synthetic and metabolic activity of the failing liver affects all organ systems, from neurologic to integumentary. Supportive care and specific therapies should be instituted in order to improve outcome and minimize time of recovery.

In this chapter we will discuss the definition, clinical manifestations, workup, and management of acute and chronic liver failure and the general principles of treatment of these patients. Management of liver failure secondary to certain common etiologies will also be presented. Finally, liver transplantation and alternative therapies will also be discussed.

Conventional hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass increases the serum lactate level in adult cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass on lactate level in adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

An observational study.

SETTING

Prince Sultan cardiac center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 283 patients classified into two groups: Hemofiltration group (n=138), hemofiltration was done during CPB. Control group (n = 145), patients without hemofiltration.

INTERVENTIONS

Hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Monitors included hematocrit, lactate levels, mixed venous oxygen saturation, amount of fluid removal during hemofiltration and urine output. The lactate elevated in group H than group C (P < 0.05), and the PH showed metabolic acidosis in group H (P < 0.05). The mixed venous oxygen saturation decreased in group H than group C (P < 0.05). The number of transfused packed red blood cells was lower in group H than group C (P < 0.05). The hematocrit was higher in group H than group C (P < 0.05). The urine output was lower in group H than group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass leads to hemoconcentration, elevated lactate level and increased inotropic support. There are some recommendations for hemofiltration: First; Hemofiltration should be limited for patients with impaired renal function, positive fluid balance, reduced response to diuretics or prolonged bypass time more than 2 hours. Second; Minimal amount of fluids should be administered to maintain adequate cardiac output and reduction of priming volumes is preferable to maintain controlled hemodilution. Third; it should be done before weaning of or after cardiopulmonary bypass and not during the whole time of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Metabolic profile in right lobe living donor hepatectomy: Comparison of lactated Ringer's solution and normal saline versus acetate based balanced salt solution - a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lactate levels predict outcomes after hepatectomy. We compared metabolic effects of lactated versus lactate free solutions in living donor hepatectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive right lobe donors (n = 53) were alternatively allotted to lactated Ringer's solution and normal saline (Group L-control) or acetated crystalloid (Sterofundin B Braun^® Group S -study group) in an observational prospective randomised study. The primary outcome measure was lactate level, and secondary outcomes were base excess, bicarbonate, glucose and chloride intra- and post-operatively. Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The intraoperative, post-operative lactate levels and the time for normalisation were comparable. Group L had significantly lower intraoperative bicarbonate levels (mmol/L) at 6 and 8 h (20.0 ± 2.14 vs. 21.3 ± 1.6, P = 0.0471; 18.68 ± 2.04 vs. 20.39 ± 17, P = 0.002), base excess at 4 and 6 h (mmol/L) (-3.64 ± 2.73 vs. -3.0 ± 1.52, P = 0.031; -6.64 ± 2.76 vs. -4.35 ± 1.7 P = 0.006). The intraoperative chloride levels (mmol/L) were higher in group L at 4 and 8 h (108 ± 5.9 vs. 105.99 ± 2.76, P = 0.0471; 109.51 ± 3.86 vs. 106.93 ± 3.09, P = 0.002). Intraoperative glucose (mg/dL) at 6 h was higher in group L, 160.55 ± 31.52 vs. 145.5 ± 24.29, P = 0.043. The highest post-operative chloride (mmol/L) was higher in Group L (112.3 ± 3.86 vs. 109.81 ± 3.72, P = 0.034). Post-operative base excess and bicarbonate showed an improved profile in Group S (-7.37 ± 2.99 vs. -5.06 ± 1.71 P = 0.001 and 17.79 ± 2.23 vs. 19.68 ± 1.51 P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Acetated fluids were associated with higher levels of bicarbonate, lesser base deficit, glucose and chloride but no difference in lactate levels in comparison with Ringer's lactate and normal saline in living donor hepatectomy.

Early lactate clearance as a reliable predictor of initial poor graft function after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Initial poor graft function (IPGF) following orthotopic liver transplantation is a major determinant of postoperative survival and morbidity. Lactate clearance is a good marker of liver function. In this study, we investigated the clinical utility of early lactate clearance as an early and accurate predictor for IPGF following liver transplantation.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 222 patients referred to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) after orthotopic liver transplantation. The IPGF group consisted of patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) >1500 IU/L within 72 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation. Early lactate clearance was defined as lactate at SICU presentation (hour 0) minus lactate at hour 6, divided by lactate at SICU presentation. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, Child-Pugh score and laboratory data including AST, ALT, total bilirubin (TB) and prothrombin time (PT) were recorded at SICU presentation and compared between the non-IPGF and IPGF groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to measure the performance of early lactate clearance, MELD score, Child-Pugh score, TB and PT.

RESULTS

IPGF occurred in 45 of the 222 patients (20.3%). The early lactate clearance in the non-IPGF group was markedly higher than that in the IPGF group (43.2+/-13.8% vs 13.4+/-13.7% P<0.001). The optimum cut-off value for early lactate clearance predicting IPGF was 24.8% (sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 88.9%). The area under the curve of the ROC was 0.961, which was significantly superior to MELD score, Child-Pugh score, TB and PT. Patients with early lactate clearance ≤24.8% had a higher IPGF rate (OR=169) and a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR=3.625).

CONCLUSIONS

Early lactate clearance can serve as a prompt and accurate bedside predictor of IPGF. Patients with early lactate clearance less than 24.8% are associated with a higher incidence of IPGF.

Lactate and liver function tests after living donor right hepatectomy: a comparison of solutions with and without lactate

BACKGROUND

Hyperlactatemia can predict the prognosis of patients undergoing liver resection. The effects of lactated Ringer's solution on liver function have not been evaluated in patients undergoing major liver resection. We therefore compared the effects of two different crystalloid solutions, with and without lactate, on liver function test data and serum lactate level in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy.

METHODS

A total of 104 donors undergoing right hepatectomy for liver transplantation were randomly allocated to receive lactated Ringer's (LR) solution (n=52) or Plasmalyte (n=52). Anesthetic and fluid management were standardized. Acid-base status, lactate concentration, and liver function tests were analyzed at predetermined time points during the first 5 post-operative days.

RESULTS

The lactate concentrations were significantly higher in the LR group than in the Plasmalyte group 1 h after hepatectomy [4.2 (3.2-5.7) vs. 3.3 (2.6-4.6) mmol/l; P=0.005, median (interquartile ranges)]. In addition, the nadir concentration of albumin was significantly lower and the peak total bilirubin concentration and prothrombin time were significantly higher in the LR group compared with the Plasmalyte group. However, these changes in the LR group subsided within the first or second post-operative days, without apparent complications or prolongation of hospital stay. Post-operative peak concentrations of lactate were not correlated with nadir albumin concentration, peak bilirubin, or peak prothrombin time, in either group.

CONCLUSION

This prospective randomized study showed that non-lactate-containing crystalloid solution may have important advantages over LR solution, concerning lactate and liver profiles, in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy.

Successful left hemihepatectomy and perioperative management of a patient with biliary cystadenocarcinoma, complicated with MELAS syndrome: report of a case

Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like syndrome (MELAS) is a rare, fetal disease caused by a mutation in mitochondrial DNA that leads to impaired oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle, the central nervous system, and liver function. This report presents the case of a 50-year-old woman with biliary cystadenocarcinoma complicated by MELAS who underwent a successful left hemihepatectomy. In this case, the diagnostic key for the malignant tumor was an (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography study, which was useful even in a patient with MELAS, which causes abnormal glucose metabolism. The perioperative management of such patients includes special precautions to prevent lactic acidosis and deterioration of the reserved liver function after a hepatectomy, since the mitochondrial function in MELAS patients is abnormal. The patient in this report has remained free of liver dysfunctions and cancer recurrence for 2 years following the hepatectomy. This is the first report of a successful major hepatectomy for a patient with MELAS.

Lactic acidosis: recognition, kinetics, and associated prognosis

Lactic acidosis is a common condition encountered by critical care providers. Elevated lactate and decreased lactate clearance are important for prognostication. Not all lactate in the intensive care unit is due to tissue hypoxia or ischemia and other sources should be evaluated. Lactate, in and of itself, is unlikely to be harmful and is a preferred fuel for many cells. Treatment of lactic acidosis continues to be aimed the underlying source.