Which biomarker is commonly monitored during resuscitation to assess tissue perfusion?

• A. Creatinine
• B. Bilirubin
• C. Lactate
• D. Troponin

Answer: (C)

Lactate rises when tissues don’t get enough oxygen, so it’s a practical measure of tissue perfusion during resuscitation. By monitoring lactate, you can see whether oxygen delivery is meeting metabolic demand: a decreasing lactate level or faster lactate clearance over time suggests improved perfusion and tissue oxygenation, guiding continued resuscitation efforts. In contrast, the other biomarkers reflect organ injury or function rather than immediate perfusion status—creatinine indicates kidney function and changes slowly, bilirubin signals liver-related issues or hemolysis, and troponin marks cardiac muscle injury. So lactate is the best indicator to gauge real-time tissue perfusion during resuscitation.