Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues. It plays a role in energy production by converting lactate into pyruvate in cells. LDH levels in the blood or other body fluids are used to assess tissue damage and certain medical conditions.

Purpose and Uses

• Diagnosing tissue damage or disease.
• Monitoring conditions like liver disease, heart attack, anemia, or cancer.
• Assessing body fluid analysis (e.g., pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid).

Risk Assessment

Elevated LDH levels may indicate:

1. Tissue Damage: Due to injury, infection, or ischemia.
2. Liver Disorders: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.
3. Heart Issues: Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
4. Blood Disorders: Hemolytic anemia or megaloblastic anemia.
5. Cancers: Particularly lymphoma or leukemia.
6. Muscle Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis or muscle trauma.

Decreased LDH levels are rare but may occur in certain genetic conditions or following high doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Normal Range

• Serum LDH (adults): 140–280 units per liter (U/L) (Ranges can vary slightly by laboratory and testing method.)

Interpretation

• High LDH Levels:

  • Acute conditions: Heart attack, stroke, or pancreatitis.
  • Chronic conditions: Chronic liver disease, malignancies.
  • Localized tissue damage: Trauma, infection.

• Low LDH Levels:

  • Generally not clinically significant but could suggest genetic factors or vitamin C interference.

Sample Type

• Blood Sample: Collected via venipuncture.
• Other Fluids: Can include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid depending on the clinical context.