Prognostic significance of blood lactate clearance in the early postoperative period in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To evaluate the association of blood lactate clearance with postoperative complications in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods . The study was designed as a retrospective, controlled, single-center, observational study in which seventy-six patients were divided into a metabolic syndrome group (n = 38) and a comparison group (n = 38). Results and discussion . It was found that the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group (p = 0.005). In addition, the length of stay in the ICU was significantly longer in patients with metabolic syndrome. Lactate concentrations were also statistically significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group at the time of admission to the ICU and during the first 24 hours after surgery, associated with a significantly lower lactate clearance rate. Conclusion : Patients with metabolic syndrome experience a higher frequency of perioperative adverse events and require longer postoperative treatment. This is associated with elevated blood lactate levels, highlighting the importance of lactate monitoring in this patient group