Albuterol Nebulizer and Increase in Serum Lactate

Dr. Lawrence M. Lewis, MD Professor, Emergency Medicine and Medicine Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Lawrence M. Lewis, MD Professor, Emergency Medicine and Medicine Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Lewis: The main finding of the study is that there is a dose-dependent increase in serum lactate concentration with increasing amounts of nebulized albuterol administered. This hyperlactatemia did not portend a worse prognosis, and was not associated with worse FEV1 or dyspnea scores. MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?

Dr. Lewis: No, there were previous reports suggesting that albuterol administration is associated with increased lactate levels, but it had never been quantified, and albuterol levels had never been measured previously.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Lewis: That beta adrenergic agonists often increase drum lactate levels, and that this is usually not associated with a poorer prognosis.  However, there is a small percentage of patients that have a marked increase in serum lactate, and this population may have some adverse outcomes.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Lewis: We would like to know why some people have increased lactate while others do not, and some have marked increases.  Also, the number of subjects with marked increased lactate was too small to know with any certainty if they may have worse outcomes.

Citation: Albuterol Administration Is Commonly Associated With Increases in Serum Lactate in Patients With Asthma Treated for Acute Exacerbation of Asthma

 

Last Updated on February 23, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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