Early arterial lactate and prediction of outcome in preterm neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit

Aim: In the present study early arterial lactate samples were examined to predict adverse outcome in preterm neonates. Subjects and Methods: 88 preterm neonates (mean gestational age 29.8 weeks, mean birth weight 1,225 g) had arterial lactate levels measured from indwelling arterial catheters within the first 3 h of life. An adverse outcome was defined as death or abnormal neurodevelopment. The positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of early arterial lactate levels for an adverse outcome (death or neurodevelopmental abnormalities) were calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: PPV and NPV of arterial lactate within 3 h after birth were 0.47 and 0.92, respectively, with a cutoff value of 5.7 mmol/l. Umbilical blood gas values and 1 and 5 min Apgar scores had much lower PPVs. Conclusion: Arterial lactate levels within 3 h of life can be used to select preterm neonates who are at risk of an adverse outcome.