Lactic dehydrogenase: A biochemical marker for preeclampsia-eclampsia

Abstract

Objectives To correlate the severity of the disease, maternal and perinatal outcome with Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in serum in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Methods A prospective comparative study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the collaboration with department of Pathology, CSM Medical University, Lucknow. Out of 146 women studied, 39 were normal pregnant women, 35 were of mild preeclampsia, 36 of severe preeclampsia and 36 of eclampsia. The statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test (for proportional data) analysis of variance and sample "t" test (for parametric data). Results LDH levels were significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia (<0.001). Higher LDH levels had significant correlation with high blood pressure (P < 0.10) as well as poor maternal and perinatal outcome. Conclusion High serum LDH levels correlate well with the severity of the disease and poor outcomes in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia. . © 2012 Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India.