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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 13, Issue 1, November 2014 pp 05-10

Research Article

Serum lactate: an independent predictor of severe sepsis in obstetric patients

Alveera*, Prema D’ Cunha**

*Resident,**Professor and H.O.D; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller Road, Mangalore, Karnataka – 575002 INDIA.


Abstract

 

Objectives: to determine the utility of serum lactate as an effective and independent indicator of severe sepsis in patients with obstetric related sepsis. Methods: the study was conducted on 40 patients admitted to our hospital on in patient basis with 2 or more signs and symptoms of infection, along with a suspected source of infection. Once sepsis was diagnosed, a baseline serum lactate was done in these patients and further evaluated over a period of time. Results: out of the 40 patients studied, it was found that not all patients with sepsis had an elevated serum lactate levels. During the study, it was found that patients with an initial raised lactate level (>2.2mmol), needed more aggressive treatment and a closer follow up during their period of stay in the hospital. Although all patients with elevated serum lactate had severe sepsis, lactate was not the only determining factor, patients in whom other laboratory parameters were altered, and where lactate was normal were also found to be in severe sepsis. Conclusion: Serum lactate is an independent and effective predictor of obstetric related sepsis.