[Lactic acidosis--a possible complication in buformin-treated diabetics (author's transl)]

Lactic acidosis is defined as a state of metabolic acidosis (arterial pH below 7.36) due to an increase in the blood concentration of lactate above 2 mEq/l. Lactic acidosis may occur under a variety of conditions; the biguanide-induced lactic acidosis is due to the toxic effects of biguanides (buformin, metformin, phenformin). The clinical picture is characterized by the occurrence of disturbances of consciousness, severe acidosis with Kussmaul's respiration, shock, hypothermia and in about 30% of all cases hypoglycemia. Apart from the general principles of intensive medical care, therapy should comprise correction of the acid-base-disturbances and elimination of the offending biguanide. The efficacy of hemodialysis in the treatment of biguanide-induced lactic acidosis is difficult to evaluate. By a more sensible use of biguanides, lactic acidosis secondary to drug administration should become a rare event.