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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 1/2011

01-02-2011 | Commentary

Metformin-induced lactic acidosis: no one left behind

Authors: Sarah Vecchio, Alessandro Protti

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Metformin is a safe drug when correctly used in properly selected patients. In real life, however, associated lactic acidosis has been repeatedly, although rarely, reported. The term metformin-induced lactic acidosis refers to cases that cannot be explained by any major risk factor other than drug accumulation, usually due to renal failure. Treatment consists of vital function support and drug removal, mainly achieved by renal replacement therapy. Despite dramatic clinical presentation, the prognosis of metformin-induced lactic acidosis is usually surprisingly good.
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Metadata
Title
Metformin-induced lactic acidosis: no one left behind
Authors
Sarah Vecchio
Alessandro Protti
Publication date
01-02-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc9404

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