The Influence of Preoperative Cardiopulmonary Capacity on the Perioperative Lactate Level

The Influence of Preoperative Cardiopulmonary Capacity Mesured in MET's (Metabolic Equivalents) on the Perioperative Lactate Level

The aim of this study is to identify if there exists a correlation between the preoperative cardiopulmonary capacity - measured in MET's - and the perioperative lactate serum level.

The determination of the cardiopulmonary (c/p) capacity is very important for the evaluation of every patient undergoing surgery. The ability to climb at least two flight of stairs is seen to be an acceptable c/p capacity for surgery. There are several ways to evaluate the fitness of patients. A common method to estimate the cardiopulmonary capacity is defining patients through the MET's (metabolic equivalents) scale. MET's can be defined relatively easy through a simple questionnaire. Patients with a reduced c/p capacity have less than 4 MET's, patients with a relatively good c/p capacity have 4-10 MET's and patients with a excellent c/p capacity have more than 10 MET's.

The lactate level in blood serum is a common parameter to asses anaerobic metabolism in patients. A high lactate level correlates with higher mortality rates and outcome.

To yet it is not clear if there exists a correlation between the preoperative cardiopulmonary capacity measured in MET's and the perioperative lactate level. We hypothysed that patients with a reduced cardiopulmonary capacity are associated with higher perioperative lactate levels, as these group of patients compensate the stressors operation/anesthesia less than patients with a good c/p capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiac surgery