Question

Lactic acidosis can have many causes. Rationalize how each of the following conditions can lead to increased concentrations of blood lactate.

A drop in cabin pressure in an airplane at 30,000 feet.

A genetic defect in RBC’s that makes them fragile.

A deficiency in thiamine by chronic alcohol consumption.

Answer 1

Lactic acidosis is build up of lactic acid in body due to metabolism under anaerobic conditions.It occurs when oxygen is less in body.

1.Drop in cabin pressure in an aircraft causes oxygen levels to drop,which may cause hypoxia in passengers.When there is insufficient oxygen in body ,lactic acid will build up causing lactic acid acidosis.

2 .The main function of RBCs is to carry oxygen.Fragile RBCs are more likely to rupture.If lot of RBCs get ruptured,less oxygen will be supplied to tissues,resulting in hypoxia in body and eventually lactic acid build up leading to lactic acid acidosis

3.Thiamine is required for carbohydrates metabolism..In absence of thiamine pyruvate will accumulate and will be metabolised to lactic acid,leading to lactic acid sis.