Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2004; 112(4): 187-190
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817931
Article

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Experiences of a Poison Center with Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis

M.-A. von Mach1 , O. Sauer1 , L. Sacha Weilemann1
  • 1II. Medical Department, Poison Center, University of Mainz, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: June 16, 2003 First decision: August 18, 2003

Accepted: October 6, 2003

Publication Date:
04 May 2004 (online)

Abstract

Metformin is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, though it is recognized to be associated with the risk of lactic acidosis. A case of pronounced lactic acidosis with cardiac arrest (pH 6.60, lactate 17.5 mmol/l, base excess - 30, standard bicarbonate 2.5 mmol/l, core body temperature 27.8 °C) is presented in a 61-year-old woman under metformin therapy. The key laboratory abnormalities observed during the intensive care treatment including repeated hemodialysis are described. The patient showed a complete recovery with residually reduced mental capabilities. Furthermore, an explorative data analysis of our poison center database from 1995 until 2003 concerning metformin was performed. In 109 inquiries for metformin a lactic acidosis (mean pH 6.87 ± 0.11, mean lactate 20.9 ± 8.1 mmol/l) was present in 14 cases (9 female, 5 male, average age 57.7 years) with 8 patients under regular metformin therapy and 6 patients who ingested large amounts of metformin to attempt suicide. 4 patients did not survive the severe metabolic disturbance. The present report demonstrates that metformin-associated lactic acidosis is a rare but critical complication of metformin therapy of type 2 diabetes as well as in acute suicidal ingestion of metformin. Early diagnosis and rapid correction of the metabolic acidosis using hemodialysis provides the possibility of a positive outcome even in severe cases. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected we recommend early involvement of a poison center.

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M. D. M.-A. von Mach

II. Medical Department, Poison Center
University Hospitals

Langenbeckstraße 1

55131 Mainz

Germany

Phone: + 496131174154

Fax: + 49 61 31 17 66 05

Email: marcm@giftinfo.uni-mainz.de