Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection. Mismatch between oxygen supply and demand results in tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, leading to anaerobic metabolism and lactate production. 1 The importance of lactate levels for the diagnosis, prognostication, risk stratification and guidance to treatment is well established. 2 Thus, lactate is a defining criterion for sepsis and septic shock, and a key resuscitation target in the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and in sepsis management bundles worldwide.
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