Lactic acidosis in childhood: Part II.

Lactic acidosis is associated with both inherited and acquired metabolic diseases. Lactic acid metabolism in the presence of altered gluconeogenesis, anaerobic glycolysis, and acid-base balance is a major factor in many disorders. Lactic acid can be formed only from pyruvic acid; therefore, disorders that increase pyruvate concentration, enhance lactic acid formation, or reduce lactic acid degradation cause lactic acidosis. Inborn metabolic errors that are accompanied by derangement of metabolic pathways of glucose, pyruvate, amino acids, and organic acids as well as toxic and systemic conditions that promote tissue hypoxia or mitochondrial injury result in lactic acidosis. In the presence of acquired disorders, treatment is directed initially toward modification or cure of the primary condition and then toward eliminating acidosis and other metabolic complications. Specific therapy is available for some inborn errors of metabolism.