Application of base deficit in resuscitation of trauma patients.

Clinical measures, such as blood pressure or urine output, have been the traditional methods used to assess tissue perfusion in trauma patients with hypovolemia. Hypoperfusion of tissues results in increased levels of lactate and carbonic acids. Base deficit is a clinical measure of metabolic acidosis that normalizes rapidly with adequate resuscitation and hemorrhage control, and it can be used to monitor the initial care of a patient with trauma. The method used to measure base deficit is discussed, along with its clinical uses and limitations. A case study is used to correlate changes in base deficit with other clinical parameters.