Early postoperative hyperlactatemia in patients after surgery under extracorporeal circulation

Abstract Metabolic disturbances, such as changes in blood acid-base balance and electrolytic composition; hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia, are frequent factors that complicate the early postoperative period in patients after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation. The purpose of the study was to estimate the incidence of hyperlactatemia in the early postoperative period and to reveal the predictors of its occurrence. This prospective study was conducted in our center from November 14, 2006, to September 1, 2007. The study covered 270 patients above 15 years of age, who had been operated on for coronary heart disease, acquired heart diseases, and combined lesions of valves and coronary arteries. Hyperlactatemia was observed in a substantial proportion of patients who had been operated on under extracorporeal circulation. Correlation analysis indicated a significant association between the duration of extracorporeal circulation and the magnitude of hyperlactatemia developing in the early postoperative period. Hyperglycemia with a glucose level of > 9 mmol/l is a predictor of the development of hyperglycemia.