Blood Lactate Levels in Patients with CAP on Arrival to the Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/Keywords:
Blood lactate levels, Community-acquired pneumonia, CURB-65Abstract
Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of mortality in developing countries like India, contributing significantly to infectious disease-related deaths. This study aims to investigate the utility of blood lactate levels in predicting patient care requirements and mortality, aligning with the need for evidence-based prognostic indicators in CAP within developing countries.
Methodology This descriptive correlation study examined 90 consecutive patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Patients were included based on specific CAP criteria and had their blood lactate levels measured upon arrival. CURB-65 scores determined the site of care (ward or ICU). Patients were categorized into three groups according to blood lactate levels: Group I (<2.2mg%), Group II (2.21-4mg%), and Group III (>4mg%). Follow-up assessed site of care, hospital stay, and mortality. Statistical methods, including ANOVA and Chi-square/Fisher Exact tests, were used for analysis with a significance
level of p < 0.05.
Results In the study, age and gender did not significantly impact blood lactate levels. However, symptoms like fever, cough, and purulent sputum correlated with elevated lactate. Notably, high lactate levels were associated with lower oxygen saturation and anaemia. The study categorized patients into three lactate groups: Group I (48.9%), Group II (38.9%), and Group III (12.2%). Moreover, the CURB-65 severity classes revealed diverse pneumonia severity in the population, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments. These findings support the potential of blood lactate levels as a prognostic marker for managing community-acquired pneumonia.
Conclusion
The diverse distribution of lactate levels highlights the need for individualized treatment approaches. These findings underscore the significance of considering various clinical parameters in CAP management.
