Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as an indicator of severity in preeclampsia

Background. Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Lactate dehydrogenase levels are usually elevated in this condition and hence measuring LDH levels will help in identification of preeclampsia. Objectives. To study the correlation of Lactate dehydrogenase levels with maternal and perinatal outcome in preeclampsia and to assess the severity of disease in association with LDH levels. Study Design. Prospective comparative study. Material and methods. Pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia were enrolled in the study conducted at hospitals attached to Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore from September 2015 to March 2017 after approval from the institutional ethical committee. Serum LDH levels were measured and the women were categorized based on its levels and they were monitored till delivery. Maternal and perinatal outcomes and severity of disease were analyzed according to the levels of serum LDH. ion Results. A total of 90 patients with preeclampsia was studied. Mean LDH levels were found to be 646.95 IU/l. In mild preeclamptic women, LDH levels were < 600IU/L. In severe preeclampsia, 20 (44.25%) had LDH levels 800 IU/l. Higher LDH suggested increase in severity of disease which was found to be statistically significant. LDH was more than 600IU/L in 32(71%) of women with Systolic BP>160 mmHg and 14(31%) of women with Diastolic BP >110 mmHg. There was a significant association between serum LDH levels and fetal growth restriction, intra uterine fetal demise, low birth weight and low APGAR scores in neonates. Abruption placentae, Eclampsia and disseminated intravascular coagulation were associated with LDH >800IU/L. Conclusion. Preeclampsia is one of the most common causes for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is a good indicator in assessing the severity in preeclampsia and also can help in early diagnosis and treatment and reducing the complications in mother and fetus. What is new in this Paper? Preeclampsia is a condition which is difficult to diagnose. Serum markers like Lactate dehydrogenase levels are usually elevated in preeclamptic women. In our study, we found that higher levels of LDH are associated with complications like abruption, eclampsia and DIC and perinatal morbidity.