Lactic acidosis in status asthmaticus : three cases and review of the literature

Authors

C A. Manthous, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Bridgeport Hospital and Yale University School of Medicine, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Chest

Abstract

Lactic acidosis is a frequent laboratory finding in patients with severe exacerbations of asthma. The pathogenesis of lactic acidosis in asthma is not well understood, but it has been presumed, by some, to be generated by fatiguing respiratory muscles. We herein report the cases of three patients with status asthmaticus and lactic acidosis despite pharmacologic muscle relaxation. No common etiologies were found for lactic acidosis that abated after bronchospasm improved and the intensity of pharmacologic therapies was reduced. We review the literature describing lactic acidosis with asthma and discuss mechanisms by which lactic acidosis may occur in patients with status asthmaticus.

First Page

1599

Last Page

602

DOI

10.1378/chest.119.5.1599

Publication Date

5-1-2001

Recommended Citation

Manthous, C A., "Lactic acidosis in status asthmaticus : three cases and review of the literature" (2001). Internal Medicine. 108.
https://scholar.bridgeporthospital.org/internal_medicine/108

Identifier

11348975 (pubmed); 10.1378/chest.119.5.1599 (doi); S0012-3692(15)39628-8 (pii)