Luminal concentrations of L- and D-lactate in the rectum may relate to severity of disease and outcome in septic patients

Table 1 Characteristics of participants

	Non-survivors^a (n = 11)	Survivors^a (n = 12)	Healthy subjects (n = 11)
Age (years)	65 (53 to 79)^b	60 (26 to 79)^b	25 (23 to 31)
Male/female	6/5	9/3	5/6
Laparotomy	4	5	N/A
Colonic surgery (ascending)	1	1	N/A
Site of infection (pulmonary/abdominal)	6/5	6/6	N/A
Isolated bacteria (Gram-negative/Gram-positive/none)	5/5/1	6/6/0	N/A
SAPS^c II	49 (14 to 93)	56 (33 to 98)	N/A
Severe sepsis/septic shock	2/9	5/7	N/A
SOFA^d score	15 (7 to 23)^e	11 (4 to 17)	N/A

Values are given as numbers or means (ranges). ^aSurvival analysis based on data at day 28 after study. ^bP < 0.001 compared with healthy subjects. ^cSimplified acute physiology score (admission values). ^dSequential organ failure assessment (in the preceding 24 hours). ^eP < 0.01 compared with survivors. N/A, not applicable.

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