[Lactacidosis in biguanide therapy: diagnosis and therapy. 4 cases compared to 179 cases in the world literature].

In 4 out of 9711 (= 1:2400) patients, lactice acidosis due to biguanides was diagnosed. Serum lactate concentration averaged 18.2 mmol/l and the pH value 6.87. All patients showed signs of renal insufficiency and three had congestive heart disease. In addition to treatment with biguanides, other factors might have contributed to the lactice acidosis in these patients: prolonged fasting, severe dehydration due to persistent vomiting, acute bronchopneumonia, and acute pyelonephritis. On addmission, two patients were in shock and all patients were semi-conscious or comatose. All patients were treated with bicarbonate and glucose/insulin. One patient was hemodialysed. Two of our four patients died. Oour four patients are compared with 179 patients in the literature with respect to mortality and prognosis of lactic acidosis due to biguanides.