The relationship between blood lactate and survival following the use of adrenaline in the treatment of septic shock

This prospective observational study evaluates the relationship between adrenaline, lactate and intensive care unit survival in septic shock. Forty patients requiring adrenaline therapy for a first episode of septic shock acquired >24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit had blood lactate levels measured two-hourly over a 24-hour period. Adrenaline therapy was escalated until target mean arterial pressure was reached. The lactate index was calculated as the ratio of maximum lactate increase to the adrenaline increase. Lactate increased from 2.3 to 2.9 mmol.l(-1) (P=0.024) and the mean adrenaline increase was 0.14 mu g.kg(-1).minute(-1). Peak lactate correlated with peak adrenaline (rho=0.34, P=0.032). Lactate index was the only independent predictor of survival after controlling for age and Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.26, P=0.009). A high lactate following adrenaline administration may be a beneficial and appropriate response.