Sensitivity, Specificity of Lactate Testing in Mitochondrial Diseases

This study addressed the sensitivity and specificity of lactate stress testing in detecting mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases, with the aim of determining the value of this test in aiding diagnosis of these conditions. Researchers compared the lactate test results of 155 patients with probable or confirmed respiratory chain disease (cases) with test results of 31 people with other neurologic diseases (disease controls), and of 62 normal, age-matched controls. Subjects rested for 10 minutes before a baseline lactate measurement, then exercised on a bicycle at 30 watts for 15 minutes, during which lactate was measured at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. A final measurement was done 15 minutes after the patient completed the exercise. Patients we…