Iatrogenic lactic acidosis: association with hypertonic glucose administration in a patient with cancer

A case of lactic acidosis associated with the administration of hypertonic glucose to a patient with a bulky undifferentiated carcinoma is presented. Characteristic alterations in amino acid concentrations were observed during the period of lactic acidosis. Resolution of the metabolic abnormalities were seen with discontinuation of glucose infusion. Short-term glucose infusion in a 90 minute iv glucose tolerance test resulted in an increase in serum lactate and appropriate changes in serine, ornithine, taurine, alanine, and arginine despite normal hormonal responsiveness.