A comparative study between serum lactate level versus change in end tidal carbon dioxide level regarding assessment of hemodynamic instability in intensive care unit patients after cardiac surgeries

Abstract

Background After cardiac surgeries, elevated lactate level is used as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Still, there is a search for other helpful markers of hemodynamic instability. Exhaled carbon dioxide has been recently studied as marker of cardiac output and tissue perfusion and may be considered a reliable alternative which is more convenient and real time.