Integrated community case management (iCCM) programs leverage lay village health workers (VHWs) to carry out the initial evaluation of children with common conditions, including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Elevated venous lactate levels have been associated with severe illness and adverse health outcomes, including death. However, lactic acidosis may not be recognized in rural settings because it is not routinely measured outside of hospitals and research studies.
Ross M. Boyce, MD, MSc, and Emily Ciccone, MD, MHS, conducted a study, a cross-sectional evaluation of children aged <5 years presenting to VHWs in rural southwestern Uganda with complaints of fever and cough. Demographics, clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and disposition were recorded.