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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 3/2013

01-09-2013 | Review

Blood lactate concentration after exposure to conducted energy weapons (including TASER® devices): is it clinically relevant?

Author: James R. Jauchem

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

In previous studies, blood lactate concentration (BLac) consistently increased in anesthetized animals and in human subjects after exposures to TASER® conducted energy weapons (CEWs). Some have suggested the increased BLac would have detrimental consequences. In the current review, the following are evaluated: (a) the nature of muscle contractions due to CEWs, (b) general aspects of increased BLac, (c) previous studies of conventional neuromuscular electrical stimulation and CEW exposures, and (d) BLac in disease states. On the basis of these analyses, one can conclude that BLac, per se (independent of acidemia), would not be clinically relevant immediately after short-duration CEW applications, due to the short time course of any increase.
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Metadata
Title
Blood lactate concentration after exposure to conducted energy weapons (including TASER® devices): is it clinically relevant?
Author
James R. Jauchem
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-013-9436-4

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