title: Extending the role of lactate measurement into the prehospital environment.
abstract: Early identification of haemodynamic shock is widely acknowledged as a vital step towards improving survival. A report in the previous issue of Critical Care describes the relationship between lactate concentrations in blood samples analysed in the prehospital environment and subsequent hospital mortality. These preliminary data indicate a promising avenue of research into the treatment of haemodynamic shock. Larger observational and interventional trials are needed to confirm the clinical value of serum lactate measurement in the prehospital environment.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, Royal London Hospital, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary's University of London, London, UK. rupert.pearse@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Rupert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Pearse
mesh_terms: D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D017052:Hospital Mortality / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D012769:Shock / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid