Where does the lactate come from? A rare cause of reversible inhibition of mitochondrial respiration

Crit Care. 2010;14(2):136. doi: 10.1186/cc8904. Epub 2010 Apr 1.

Abstract

Biguanide poisoning is associated with lactic acidosis. The exact mechanism of biguanide-induced lactic acidosis is not well understood. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Protti and colleagues demonstrated that biguanide-induced lactic acidosis may be due in part to a reversible inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Thus, in the absence of an antidote, increased drug elimination through dialysis is logical.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced*
  • Biguanides / adverse effects
  • Cell Respiration / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*

Substances

  • Biguanides