Peritoneal dialysis clearance of endogenous lactate.

Four patients with severe lactic acidosis were treated with peritoneal dialysis using a bicarbonate-buffered dialysate. Peritoneal dialysis clearance of lactate averaged 9.1 ml minute, and the total lactate removed during dialysis ranged between 88 and 352 mEq. Removal of excess lactate by dialysis contributes to the control of acidosis and prevention of alkalosis once the metabolic defect is reversed.