Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
05:09
Long-Term Continuous Measurement of Renal Blood Flow in Conscious Rats
Published on: February 8, 2022
[Metformin-associated lactic acidosis can be treated with continuous renal replacement therapy]
Helene Korvenius Jørgensen1, Jane Stab Nielsen, Torben Gilsaa
1Anæstesiologisk Afdeling, Kolding Sygehus, Skovvangen 2-8, 6000 Kolding, Denmark. helene_j@yahoo.com
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, especially with dehydration. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) effectively removes lactate and metformin, improving outcomes in these rare but serious cases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.
- Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a rare but serious complication.
- Dehydration is a known risk factor for MALA.
Observation:
- Two cases of MALA are presented.
- Patients exhibited metabolic acidosis, hypotension, renal failure, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was initiated.
Findings:
- CRRT demonstrated significant efficacy in managing MALA.
- Hemofiltration effectively cleared lactate and metformin from the bloodstream.
- CRRT is an accessible treatment option in intensive care units.
Implications:
- CRRT offers a viable treatment strategy for MALA.
- Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial due to MALA's high mortality rate (approximately 30%).
- This highlights the importance of monitoring renal function and hydration status in patients on metformin.
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