Lactic acidosis in children with acute exacerbation of severe asthma

Eur J Emerg Med. 2007 Feb;14(1):56-8. doi: 10.1097/01.mej.0000224430.59246.cf.

Abstract

This is a retrospective case series reporting lactic acidosis in four pediatric patients with acute severe asthma treated with nebulized beta2-agonists in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching facility. During treatment with beta2-agonists, these patients developed lactic acidosis with a peak concentration of 5.2 to 13 mmol/l. Lactic acidosis improved within 24 h after discontinuation or decrease in the dosage of beta2-agonists. We conclude that the intensive use of beta2-agonists for acute severe asthma in children may be the primary and significant cause of lactic acidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced*
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Albuterol / adverse effects*
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Albuterol