From the FDA Drug Label
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- 1 Lactic Acidosis There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases.
- Lactic Acidosis is associated with the use of metformin, not Chris's disease.
- The text does not mention Chris's disease as a cause of lactic acidosis. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Based on the limited information provided, it is impossible to determine if Chris's disease causes lactic acidosis, as the specific disease or condition affecting Chris is not mentioned. Lactic acidosis is a condition characterized by excess lactic acid in the bloodstream, typically occurring when cells produce energy without adequate oxygen. Several diseases can cause lactic acidosis, including diabetes, liver disease, certain cancers, HIV/AIDS, mitochondrial disorders, and severe infections. Medications like metformin and certain antiretrovirals can also contribute to lactic acidosis, as seen in a case report of metformin-associated lactic acidosis published in 2021 1. To determine if Chris's specific condition causes lactic acidosis, more information about the diagnosis would be needed. If Chris is experiencing symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, fatigue, nausea, or abdominal pain, medical attention should be sought immediately as lactic acidosis can be life-threatening. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests measuring lactate levels and arterial blood gases to assess acid-base balance.
Some diseases, such as mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis with stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, are known to cause lactic acidosis, as discussed in a review of treatment options published in 2006 2. The MELAS syndrome is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder characterized by stroke-like episodes, often occurring before the age of 15 years, and is associated with a number of point mutations in the mitochondrial DNA. Treatment of MELAS syndrome and other mitochondrial disorders often involves the use of antioxidants, respiratory chain substrates, and cofactors in the form of vitamins, although the efficacy of these treatments is not well established, as noted in a case report published in 2004 3.
In general, the management of lactic acidosis involves addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and in some cases, using treatments such as hemodialysis or continuous bicarbonate infusion, as recommended in a report on metformin-associated lactic acidosis published in 2005 4. However, without more information about Chris's specific condition, it is not possible to provide a definitive recommendation for management.