[The clinical picture of lactate acidosis. 1 : Lactate metabolism]

The definition of lactate acidosis (lactic acidosis) is discussed. The metabolism of lactate and pyruvate are described. An increase in lactate concentration should be called lactic acidemia (lactate emia). This increase in lactate concentration can be caused either by an increased production (primarily by the so-called peripheral tissues) or by a decreased utilization (by the liver or by the kidneys). Therefore, various metabolic alterations can cause lactate acidosis.