Utilization of L(+) lactate in patients with liver disease

Clearance of intravenously infused sodium L(+) lactate was slower in 37 patients with liver disease (14.5 +/- 0.9 ml (kg BW)-1min-1) than in 20 normal subjects (17.9 +/- 1.1 ml (kg BW)-1min-1). This difference is statistically significant (2p less than 0.0125). Impairment of L(+) lactate utilization was not related to the aetiology of the liver disease. Both increased production and decreased utilization of L(+) lactate were found in patients with secondary malignancy of the liver. Penetration of L(+) lactate into ascitic fluid was variable and estimates of L(+) lactate utilization may be unreliable if ascites is present.