Lactato en sangre periférica en pacientes críticos, componente esencial del protocolo de estabilización guiada a metas

Abstract

The management of critically ill patients in veterinary medicine requires rapid identification of complications for effective decision-making that benefits their health. Blood lactate is a key biomarker in evaluating hypoperfusion, metabolic acidosis, and organ damage, with well-established applications in human medicine, but still limited in veterinary care. This study evaluated peripheral blood lactate levels as a prognostic indicator in 30 critically ill canine patients with multiple causes, admitted to the "Le Peluts" Veterinary Specialty Clinic in Azogues. Lactate levels were measured upon admission and at 12 hours after treatment as part of a goal-directed stabilization protocol. A significant reduction (p≤0.05) in lactate levels was observed, from 4.34 mmol/l (+3.85) to 2.14 mmol/l (+2.96), indicating a positive therapeutic response and clinical improvement. A strong correlation was also found between lactate, heart rate, and prognosis score for each patient, with higher lactate levels linked to unfavorable outcomes. Additionally, mucosal coloration was associated with better prognoses, reinforcing lactate’s role as a dynamic tool in clinical decision-making. This emphasizes the importance of integrating lactate monitoring into stabilization protocols. This approach not only improves survival rates but also optimizes management and decisionmaking

in critically ill veterinary patients. Future research could explore differentiating lactate levels based on pathology type, enhancing its potential as a prognostic indicator for various conditions, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and treatment strategies.

Keywords: Biomarker; Hypoperfusion; Prognosis