Relationship between lactate values and mortality in patients with haemorrhagic shock in an emergency unit

Abstract

Introduction : Trauma is the leading cause of death in patients between the ages of 1-44 years in South Africa. Taking these statistics into consideration it is essential to better resuscitation strategies in order to improve outcome of trauma patients. Compensated and uncompensated haemorrhagic shock is frequently under diagnosed in trauma patients, which has a definitive effect on mortality. Concerns about inadequate monitoring of patients through the use of only physiological end points are raised. Methods : A comprehensive literature review was conducted on resuscitation strategies for patients presenting with haemorrhagic shock. Physiological and metabolic end points of resuscitation were identified to guide resuscitation strategies. A quantitative, retrospective, non-experimental, descriptive, correlational and crosssectional research design was chosen for this study. Data was collected by using biophysical measures, namely clinical audit checklists. Results : Lactate was identified as a good indicator to predicting mortality in patients presenting with shock caused by haemorrhage. Special consideration to patients’ age and physiological status should be made during resuscitation. The consequence of delayed resuscitation in haemorrhagic shock patients is associated with an increase in mortality that can be prevented. It is found that serum blood lactate levels taken over time are good predictors of patient survival rates. Patients presenting with a raised serum blood lactate level for more than 24-hours has an increase in mortality rate. Conclusion : Emergency nurse practitioners are responsible for the monitoring of patients admitted to the emergency unit with haemorrhagic shock. The use of serum lactate levels during the first 24-hours of the resuscitation of patients with haemorrhage can assist with the implementation of strategies to reverse the effect haemorrhagic shock on cellular level in these patients.