Elevated Serum Lactate in Glioma Patients: Associated Factors

Serum lactate levels in brain cancer patients correlate with tumor malignancy grading, and serum lactate has been suggested as a potential biomarker and prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to identify potential sources of elevated serum lactate in patients with brain gliomas by examining factors of importance for serum lactate production and clearance.

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 261 glioma patients who underwent surgery from March 2011 to June 2015. We recorded patient gender, age, blood serum measures of lactate, glucose, pH, hemoglobin and base excess, patient health status, medications, and tumor characteristics. Patients with elevated and normal serum lactate levels were compared, and we explored if there were correlations between the variables. The association of serum lactate with the measured variables was investigated by simple and multivariable linear regression models.

Patients with elevated serum lactate had higher blood glucose, larger tumor volumes, and more tumor edema; more often needed pressor medication during surgery; and more often received corticosteroid treatment. The investigated variables were highly correlated. Multivariable linear regression indicated that gender, tumor volume, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hyperglycemia, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with serum lactate levels. Histopathology was not an independent factor. In conclusion, comorbidities, hyperglycemia, and presurgical corticosteroid treatment exhibited the strongest association with serum lactate in glioma patients.