Treatment of Refractory Lactic Acidosis With Thiamine Administration in a Non-alcoholic Patient

Lactate, or lactic acid, is an end-product of anaerobic metabolism. The build-up of lactate in the body is commonly due to type A lactic acidosis, resulting from an inability to meet the body’s oxygen delivery demands. When lactic acidosis persists, other causes need to be ruled out. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old female who initially presented with hypoglycemia and was found to have significant lactic acidosis. Her blood sugar levels improved with dextrose supplementation; however, lactic acidosis persisted despite fluid hydration and empiric antibiotics. After excluding other causes of lactic acidosis, she was started on intravenous thiamine due to suspicion of thiamine deficiency secondary to poor nutrition. Lactic acid levels improved drastically after starting thiamine supplementation. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role as a cofactor in several biochemical reactions. Thiamine deficiency is a rare, underdiagnosed cause of type B lactic acidosis, with early diagnosis and intervention playing crucial roles in preventing severe cardiac and neurological impairment.