Non-Cirrhotic Hyperammonemia Versus Hyperlactatemia in Septic Patients and Impact of Treatment

Objectives: This study aims to determine the validity of hyperammonemia in predicting true sepsis compared to hyperlactemia in critically ill septic patients. Background: Sepsis is associated with amino acid flux towards the liver, which increases the ammonia load. The combination of decreased clearance and increased load is thought to be the major cause of increased ammonia in sepsis. Methodology: 60 septic patients were classified into 2 equal groups, Group I: Septic patients with positive microbial cultures. Group II: septic patients with negative cultures enrolled to obtain serum ammonia and lactic acid levels on admission and every six hours for three days. The primary outcome was to detect ammonia specificity and sensitivity in predicting sepsis in comparison to lactate. The secondary outcomes were need for mechanical ventilation, mortality, and length of stay (LHS) within the intensive care unit.