Lactate as a diagnostic marker in transient loss of consciousness

Matz, O.; Schulz, J. B.; Zechbauer, S.; Litmathe, J.; Bündgens, L.; Dafotakis, M.; Willmes, K.; Zdebik, C.

doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2016.06.014

Journal Article

FZJ-2017-05488

Lactate as a diagnostic marker in transient loss of consciousness

Matz, O. (Corresponding author) ; Zdebik, C. ; Zechbauer, S. ; Bündgens, L. ; Litmathe, J. ; Willmes, K. ; Schulz, J. B.FZJ* ; Dafotakis, M.

2016
Elsevier Oxford [u.a.]

Seizure 40, 71 - 75 (2016) [10.1016/j.seizure.2016.06.014]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/15534 doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2016.06.014

Abstract: PurposeThe diagnostic classification of disorders of consciousness is often challenging, particularly the distinction between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. The aim of the study was to examine serum lactate as a diagnostic marker of transient loss of consciousness.MethodSerum lactate levels in blood samples drawn within 2 h of the event were compared retrospectively between patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (n = 195) and patients with other seizures (syncopes [n = 52], psychogenic non-epileptic seizures [n = 17], and complex focal seizures [n = 37]), respectively.ResultsSerum lactate in patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizures was significantly (p < 0.001, Mann–Whitney-U test) increased in comparison to other forms of seizure incidences. The area under the ROC-curve was 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.96). For a cut-off concentration of 2.45 mmol/l, the sensitivity was 0.88 and the specificity 0.87.ConclusionsSerum lactate levels in the acute diagnosis were an excellent biomarker for the discrimination of generalized seizures from psychogenic non-epileptic and syncopal events, corroborating its importance for the standard work-up of acute disturbances of consciousness.

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