Table 1

Relative changes observed in Kreb's cycle intermediates and D-Lactate in patients with differing causes of acidosis

Acid

DKA

LA

AUO

NAG

Citrate

-

?^a

-

-

Isocitrate

+

+++

+++

-

α-Ketoglutarate

+++

+++

+++

-

Succinate

-

+++

+

-

Malate

+++

+++

+++

-

D-lactate

+++

+++

+++

+++

Dashes represent no significant difference from controls; a plus sign represents p < 0.02; three plus signs represent p < 0.001. ^aThis result may be unreliable since four of the patients in this group had received an infusion of heparin (containing citrate as an anticoagulant) prior to the blood sample being obtained. AUO, acidosis of unknown origin; DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis; LA lactic acidosis; NAG, normal anion gap acidosis.

Forni et al. Critical Care 2006 10:220   doi:10.1186/cc4954