LDH Test: Utilization and Interpretations
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in almost all body tissues, including muscles, liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, brain, and blood cells. This versatile enzyme plays a crucial role in converting a type of sugar known as lactate into pyruvate, which cells then use for energy.
LDH levels in the blood can serve as an indicator of cell damage due to various conditions. When cells are damaged, they release LDH into the bloodstream. Here are some common causes of elevated LDH levels:
- Hemolytic Anemia (Hemolysis): LDH is abundant in red blood cells, and when these cells are broken down (hemolysis), LDH is released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): LDH is found in heart muscle cells, and heart attacks can cause these cells to release LDH into the blood. However, troponin is now more commonly used for diagnosing heart attacks.
- Anemia: Certain types of anemia, especially those involving red blood cell destruction, can elevate LDH levels due to hemolysis.
- Infections: LDH can be elevated in cases of severe infections, possibly due to inflammation and tissue damage associated with the infection.
- Liver Disease: Conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis can lead to elevated LDH levels as liver cells are damaged and release LDH.
- Lung Disease: Certain lung conditions can also cause an increase in LDH levels due to tissue damage.
- Cancers: Some cancers can cause elevated LDH levels, which may be used to monitor the progression or response to treatment of these cancers.
Elevated LDH levels during pregnancy can signal preeclampsia, a serious condition that raises the risk of complications for the parent and fetus. Preeclampsia resolves after childbirth, and doctors monitor the condition, advise rest, and manage blood pressure until then. If near the due date, doctors may suggest inducing labor early or using medications to lower the risk of complications.
The LDH test is a low-risk procedure, but a person may feel a small pinch and experience bruising or soreness at the puncture site. The blood sample from the LDH test is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Doctors can also measure LDH levels in other bodily fluids, such as spinal cord or lung samples.
It's important to note that low LDH levels are usually not harmful, but they can indicate LDH deficiency, a genetic condition that interferes with cell energy use. Some individuals may feel dizzy or faint during the test.
Infants and young children usually have significantly higher normal levels of LDH. For adults, normal LDH levels in the blood are usually 140-280 units per liter (U/L). There are various forms of LDH, called isoenzymes, which exist in different tissues.
LDH testing can also help doctors determine whether chemotherapy is working during cancer treatment. If illness or injury damages cells, they release LDH into the bloodstream, making LDH levels in the blood an indicator of cell damage.
In conclusion, LDH plays a vital role in energy production within our bodies. Elevated LDH levels indicate cell damage, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, anemia, liver and lung diseases, heart attacks, cancers, and more. Understanding LDH and its role can help in early diagnosis and effective management of these conditions.
- Elevated LDH levels, often indicative of various medical conditions such as infections or cancers, can also signal respiratory conditions like lung diseases.
- LDH testing is not only beneficial in diagnosing conditions like heart attacks and cancers but is also instrumental in monitoring health-and-wellness aspects like cardiovascular health and other blood cell disorders like anemia.
- Besides being present in muscles, liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, brain, and blood cells, LDH can also be detected in fluids like spinal cord or lung samples, which can help in diagnosing medical conditions.
- While LDH is essential for energy production in our bodies, low LDH levels, indicative of LDH deficiency, can interfere with cell energy use and may cause dizziness or fainting in some individuals.
