The Relevance of Lactate Levels in Acute Seizure

IntroductionSeizures can result in profound elevations of serum lactate. A paucity of investigation into whether lactate levels in these patients is associated with increased mortality. We sought to evaluate the significance in patients presenting with a seizure and elevated lactate. MethodsThis is a retrospective study involving patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with a diagnosis of seizure from September 1st, 2016 until March 31st, 2018. Those with normal serum lactate (< 2mmol/L) were compared with patients that had an elevated serum lactate ([&ge;] 2mmol/L). ResultsPatients with normal serum lactate levels had a significantly longer length of stay in the ED (60 minutes p = 0.04) when compared to those with elevated serum lactate levels. Additionally, a higher percentage of patients with elevated serum lactate received intravenous fluids in the ED (54.69% vs. 35.4%, P=0.01). There was no significant difference in other measured variables. ConclusionThis study illustrates that serum lactate levels do not directly correlate with indicators of disease severity or outcomes when elevated secondary to seizure. However, patients with normal serum lactate levels had a longer length of stay in the ED.