75: Lactic Acidosis in the PICU

In this episode of PICU Doc On Call, your hosts Pradip Kamat and Rahul Damania, experienced Pediatric ICU physicians, take you on an enlightening journey through the intricate landscape of lactic acidosis. Join us as we unravel the complexities, share clinical insights, and provide practical guidance on diagnosing and managing this critical condition in the acute care pediatric setting.You will hear:Case Presentation:4-year-old boy with hypotension, fatigue, rash, and respiratory distressRecent COVID-19 exposure, concerning respiratory symptomsHypotensive, tachycardic, tachypneic, low pulse oximetry readingSwollen red lips, erythematous rash, hepatomegalyHigh-flow nasal cannula, resuscitation, epinephrine infusionInitial arterial blood gas: pH 7.22, lactate 4.5 mMol/LDefinition of Lactic Acidosis:Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis criteriaCauses: impaired tissue oxygenation or mitochondrial dysfunctionTypes of Lactic Acidosis:Type A: Impaired O2 delivery, shock-relatedType B: Impaired O2 utilization, toxins, infectionsLactate Measurement:Comparability between POCT and central lab analysisRole of lactate measurement in pediatric sepsisLactic Washout:Rising lactate with re-established oxygen deliveryImpaired clearance in microcirculation, liver, kidneyMonitoring trends with clinical exams and lab surrogatesBicarbonate Therapy:Role in Type A lactic acidosisControversy, indications, and potential complicationsConclusion:PICU Doc On Call podcast explores the intriguing case of a 4-year-old boy with lactic acidosis, highlighting the clinical intricacies of diagnosing and managing this condition. The hosts, Pradip Kamat and Rahul Damania provide insightful discussions on the different types of lactic acidosis, the physiological mechanisms behind it, and the role of bicarbonate therapy. The episode emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying causes and offers valuable clinical pearls for managing pediatric patients with lactic acidosis.Stay tuned for more engaging episodes from PICU Doc On Call! Don't forget to subscribe, share your feedback, and review the podcast on your preferred platform. For more information and resources, visit picudoconcall.org.