Objective: Elevated lactate has been found to be associated with a higher mortality in a various patient population of intensive care unit (ICU). Our aim is to review the relationship between arterial blood lactate level and the mortality rate in septic cases admitted to the ICU.

Material and Method: Hundred and ten septic patients who were followed up in ICU between March 2021 and November 2021 were included in this study. The patients included in the study were divided into two groups as survivors and deceased and all the parameters studied were statistically analyzed for both groups.

Results: Sixty-six (60%) were male of 110 patients. The mean age was 62(49-72) years. Mortality rate was 58%. LOS (length of stay) in ICU was 4(2-6) days. Septic shock was diagnosed in 60 (54.5%) of the patients upon admission to the ICU. The requirements for IMV (invasive mechanical ventilation) and NIMV non- invasive mechanical ventilation) for patients were 70(63.6%) and 43(39.1%), respectively. APACHE-II score was 24±9. Mean arterial lactate level was 3.5(2.4-5.2). As a result of the logistic regression analysis, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), requirement for IMV, arterial lactate level and LOS in ICU were determined as independent risk variables for mortality (OR =1.304 (1.073-1.586), p =0.008, OR =5.747 (1.501-22.002), p =0.011, OR =1.703 (1.190-2.518), p =0.004, OR =1.472 (1.042-2.213), p =0.04), respectively.

Conclusion: As a result of the logistic regression analysis, GCS, requirement for IMV, arterial lactate level and LOS in ICU were determined as independent risk variables for mortality.