LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an important enzyme that helps with cellular respiration, the process through which the body transforms glucose into energy for its cells. LDH is present in almost all tissues, with the highest concentrations in muscle, liver, kidneys and red blood cells. An LDH test measures the amount in blood or another body fluid — including cerebrospinal, pleural and peritoneal fluid — to check for tissue damage, because damaged or injured tissues release excess LDH.
Why it matters: An LDH test is used to check for tissue damage, to monitor conditions that cause tissue damage such as anaemia, organ disease and some infections, to assess the severity of certain cancers, and to monitor whether chemotherapy for certain cancers is working. Higher-than-usual levels usually mean some type of tissue damage from an injury, disease or infection, whether chronic or acute — though a high result does not necessarily mean a medical condition is present. A lower-than-usual result is uncommon, and may indicate a very rare genetic condition called lactate dehydrogenase A deficiency, also known as glycogen storage disease XI, or lactate dehydrogenase B deficiency. An LDH test can show that tissue damage is present but cannot reveal where in the body it is.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions
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What is LDH?
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an important enzyme that helps with cellular respiration, the process through which the body transforms glucose into energy for its cells. LDH is present in almost all tissues, with the highest concentrations in muscle, liver, kidneys and red blood cells. An LDH test measures the amount in blood or another body fluid — including cerebrospinal, pleural and peritoneal fluid — to check for tissue damage, because damaged or injured tissues release excess LDH.
What might a high or low LDH mean?
An LDH test is used to check for tissue damage, to monitor conditions that cause tissue damage such as anaemia, organ disease and some infections, to assess the severity of certain cancers, and to monitor whether chemotherapy for certain cancers is working. Higher-than-usual levels usually mean some type of tissue damage from an injury, disease or infection, whether chronic or acute — though a high result does not necessarily mean a medical condition is present. A lower-than-usual result is uncommon, and may indicate a very rare genetic condition called lactate dehydrogenase A deficiency, also known as glycogen storage disease XI, or lactate dehydrogenase B deficiency. An LDH test can show that tissue damage is present but cannot reveal where in the body it is.
What is the typical reference range for LDH?
The general-population reference range shown here is 125 – 220 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect LDH?
It may be higher with: Tissue damage or injury, which makes tissues release excess LDH, The normal turnover of older cells, which releases LDH into the bloodstream, Anaemia, Kidney disease, Lung disease, Liver disease, Muscle injury, Muscular dystrophy, Bone fracture, Heart attack, Pancreatitis, Infections including meningitis, encephalitis, mononucleosis and HIV, Cancers including metastatic melanoma, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, testicular cancer and leukaemia, Strenuous exercise, Certain medicines, such as aspirin, anaesthetics, narcotics and procainamide.