Tissue ischemia precipitates a disruption in the balance of oxygen delivery and consumption often yielding a conversion from aerobic to anaerobic processes in order to maintain metabolic functionality. The conversion to anaerobic processes leads to the production of lactic acid and a resulting consumption of the body's basic buffers. Clinically, the consumption of the body's basic buffers is frequently referred to as the development of a base deficit. Both the production of lactic acid and the development of a base deficit have been positively linked to the increased morbidity and mortality in multiple critically ill patient populations, including those with traumatic injuries.