Which laboratory finding suggests maternal sepsis?

Which laboratory finding suggests maternal sepsis?

• A. Elevated lactate (>2 mmol/L)
• B. Low WBC count
• C. Decreased CRP
• D. Normal lactate

Answer: (A)

Elevated lactate signals tissue hypoperfusion from sepsis. When infection triggers widespread inflammation, circulation can become inadequate, forcing cells into anaerobic metabolism and producing more lactate. A lactate level above 2 mmol/L is a warning sign of possible sepsis and correlates with greater severity and worse outcomes, making it the most reliable lab clue among the options. WBC counts can be influenced by pregnancy itself, so they’re not as specific for sepsis. A low WBC count isn’t a dependable marker of infection. CRP may rise with infection but a decreased CRP would argue against infection, and it lacks specificity for sepsis. A normal lactate could be present early in sepsis, so it isn’t as informative as an elevated lactate.

Elevated lactate signals tissue hypoperfusion from sepsis. When infection triggers widespread inflammation, circulation can become inadequate, forcing cells into anaerobic metabolism and producing more lactate. A lactate level above 2 mmol/L is a warning sign of possible sepsis and correlates with greater severity and worse outcomes, making it the most reliable lab clue among the options.

WBC counts can be influenced by pregnancy itself, so they’re not as specific for sepsis. A low WBC count isn’t a dependable marker of infection. CRP may rise with infection but a decreased CRP would argue against infection, and it lacks specificity for sepsis. A normal lactate could be present early in sepsis, so it isn’t as informative as an elevated lactate.