Lactate-buffered dialysis in cardiogenic shock associated with severe combined lactic acidosis

The level of lactate that would serve as cut-off for contraindication of lactate buffer is so far unclear. An acute exogenous load of lactate does not affect the basal endogenous lactate production and metabolism. It is also well metabolized in patients suffering from acute renal failure and severe sepsis with a compromised haemodynamic status. We report a case of extreme lactic acidosis in a patient admitted with a combination of cardiogenic shock, uraemia and suspected accumulation of biguanide. The patient was successfully treated with lactate-buffered dialysis due to the accidental absence of the bicarbonate-buffered fluids.