Evaluation of the Metabolic Profile of Ringer Lactate versus Ringer Acetate in Nondiabetic Patients Undergoing Major Surgeries

Background: Stress-induced neuroendocrine and metabolic changes lead to intraoperative hyperglycemia which is related to surgery and the type of intravenous fluids used. Aims: The primary objective was to assess the incidence of hyperglycemia with use of lactate versus acetate-based intravenous fluids in nondiabetics undergoing major surgeries. Incidence of lactatemia and metabolic acidosis were also assessed. Settings and Design: Prospective parallel group observational study conducted in a tertiary care institute. Subjects and Methods: A total of 208 nondiabetic patients undergoing major head and neck free flap or abdominal surgeries were included in the study. Group A received Ringer lactate, and Group B received Ringer acetate as intraoperative maintenance fluid. Intraoperative blood sugar, pH, and lactate levels were monitored. Statistical Tests Used: Chi-square test and independent “t” test were used for analysis. Results: Intraoperative hyperglycemia was more frequent in Group A than B (17.3 vs. 18.4%). Group B patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries showed higher blood glucose at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h when compared to flap surgeries. In Group A, significantly higher blood sugar values were noted at 2 and 8 h in those undergoing GI surgeries. Group B patients undergoing GI surgeries had significantly higher lactate levels at 6 and 8 h. Group B patients had significant acidosis when surgeries lasted >6 h. Conclusion: Nondiabetic patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries who received acetate-based fluids had relatively higher intraoperative blood sugar levels as compared to those receiving lactated solutions, but the incidence of hyperglycemia was comparable. When the duration of surgery exceeded 6 h, acetate-based solutions resulted in significantly higher lactate levels with progressive metabolic acidosis.