[The importance of lactate acidosis as a side effect of biguanide therapy]

A survey of the literature leads to the conclusion that lactic acidosis should be considered as a side effect of therapy with biguanides. Essential for the development of lactic acidosis seems to be the preexistence or the acute development of renal insufficiency. However, the over-dosage (for instance in the case of attempted suicide) causes acidosis (lactic acidosis) in healthy persons also. Using the experimental animal lactic acidosis is demonstrated following biguanide application. Diagnosis of lactic acidosis is substantiated by acidosis with lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l (= 72-90mg/100 ml) and with considerably increased lactate/pyruvate ratios (50-150). Generally a non ketotic acidosis of diabetic patients (especially under biguanide-therapy) should be considered to be a lactic acidosis. On the other hand the existence of lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l ist characteristic for a lactic acidosis. The prognosis of lactic acidosis induced by biguanides is not too good. Therapy of the acidosis using bicarbonate is not sufficient in most cases. The intravenous application of glucose (or glucose substitutes), perhaps with additional insulin, might be indicated by hypoglycemia. However, this therapy might cause an additional increase in lactic acid concentration. Treatment of choice might be dialysis, effecting the elimination of the biguanides. If peritoneal dialysis is performed acetate containing solutions should be used. Biguanide induced lactic acidosis is prevented by a very cautious selection of patients suited for biguanide therapy. The performance of renal function tests is absolutely necessary if therapy with biguanides is intended. Additionally, periodical control of renal function is required in patients treated with biguanides (at least twice a year). Biguanide therapy should be performed only with extreme caution, because decrease in renal function is very common in older patients.