In the modern world, science does not stand still. Diseases are carefully studied, and scientists are looking for ways to combat them. Doctors are often ordered to take tests that are not at all clear to ordinary people, but it is this result that can confirm or refute the doctor's fears. So the analysis for LDH, and especially increased lactate dehydrogenase, says a lot. What is it, and what are the consequences, we will talk further.
What is LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase is one of the enzymes that shows the presence of damaged cells. It is found both in the blood and in tissues in varying amounts. In the process of respiration, lactic acid s alt is formed in the cells. Lactate dehydrogenase promotes its transition to pyruvic, which is involved in the high-energy oxidation process. It contributes to the rapid release of energy from glucose, which is necessary for muscle contraction, the flow of biochemical processes. The result is products that are easily removed from the body - carbon dioxide and water. If insufficient oxygen is supplied, the enzyme accumulates, pathologies arise that accelerate cell decay. They will lead tolactate dehydrogenase is elevated. This indicator is very sensitive to the destruction of cellular structures.
Lactate dehydrogenase, if arranged in decreasing order of quantity, is found in the following organs and tissues:
- In the kidneys.
- The heart muscle.
- Skeletal muscles.
- Pancreas.
- Spleen.
- The chemical laboratory of our body - the liver.
- Lungs.
- In blood serum.
LDH types
The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase has several forms that differ from each other by isoenzymes, and they are found in different tissues. Depending on the greater concentration of the isoenzyme in a particular organ, there are types of this enzyme:
- LDH-1 - predominantly in the heart and blood cells.
- 2 - in leukocytes.
- 3 - in lung tissue.
- LDH - 4 - most of all in the kidneys, placenta, pancreas.
- 5 - found in the liver and striated muscle tissue.
Thanks to this, it can be concluded which isoenzyme is responsible for elevated LDH levels and determine the disease.
When this test is ordered
There are several conditions in which it is necessary to control the level of LDH:
- In diseases of the hepatobiliary system.
- After myocardial infarctions.
- When various tumors are detected.
- If it is necessary to determine the type of anemia.
- Whendiseases with increased hemolysis.
- With sharp pains in the chest area.
- If there is damage to the liver or kidneys.
- To examine tissues and muscles after injury or disease.
Influence of factors on the result of the analysis
If the doctor suspects that you have elevated lactate dehydrogenase, only an analysis can refute or confirm this.
A blood test for LDH is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Blood is taken from a vein. Before going to the treatment room, no special diet is required. It is only necessary to know that there are factors that can distort the result. What can affect the accuracy of the analysis result:
- Taking vitamin C may lower blood levels of LDH.
- Use of electropulse therapy on the eve of the test.
- Skin problems.
- Blood alcohol content.
- Thrombocytosis.
- Use of hemodialysis.
- Some medications such as Aspirin, Mithramycin, anesthetics, fluoride can increase enzyme levels.
- Excessive exercise.
These factors may affect the result, but this does not mean that there are pathological processes in the body.
Before you know the content of the enzyme in your blood, you need to consult with your doctor, which drugs should be discontinued before going to the laboratory.
It is very important to properly transport and store donated blood, as failure to follow the rules can lead tohemolysis of the blood, and as a result, increased lactate dehydrogenase.
LDH norm indicators for children and adults
Lactate dehydrogenase levels change with age. The older a person gets, the lower they are. So, LDH concentration:
- Newborns - up to 28.9 mkat/l.
- From 1 year to 3 years - up to 14, 2 mkat/l.
- For boys from 7 to 12 years old - up to 12.7 mkat/l.
- Girls from 7 years to 12 years old - up to 9.67 mkat/l.
- Men - up to 11.4 mkat/l.
- Women - up to 7.27 mkat/l.
LDH levels may be higher or lower than normal.
Increased lactate dehydrogenase - causes
Increased rates are observed in pregnant women and with excessive physical activity.
If lactate dehydrogenase is elevated as a result of the analysis. The reasons for this are the development of the following conditions:
- Myocardial infarction.
- Viral liver disease.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Oncology.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Pathological diseases of the kidneys.
- Anemia.
- Leukemia.
- Conditions in which extensive cell breakdown occurs: shock, severe hypoxia, burns of large areas.
- Major injuries.
- Diseases of the muscular system.
However, not only this analysis confirms the presence of pathology in the body. Further investigation is needed. By studying the activity of isoenzymes, a specialist will be able to determine the localization of the disease.
Meaning of indicatorsLDH isoenzymes
If we take a closer look at an increase in lactate dehydrogenase of a certain type, we can determine the foci of a possibly developing pathology.
Increased LDH-1 or LDH-1/LDH-2 ratio is possible under the following conditions:
- Acute heart attack.
- Hemolytic megaloblastic anemia.
- Acute kidney necrosis.
- In the presence of tumors of the male and female genital area.
The increase in LDH-5 is typical for:
- Liver disease.
- Rake.
- Skeletal muscle injury.
Increase in LDH-2 and LDH-3 is usually observed when:
- Acute leukemia.
- Chronic granulocytosis.
Increased LDH-3, possibly partially LDH-4 and LDH-5 most common if present:
- Kidney disease.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Heart failure involving lung tissue.
LDH-4 increase LDH-5 detected if diagnosed:
- Impaired circulation due to weak heart function.
- Liver damage.
- Muscle injuries.
LDH in children
When talking about children, you should consider the age of the child. In children, LDH levels are higher. Also, before you go to the doctor, you need to track what medications the child is taking and monitor his physical activity. If lactate dehydrogenase is elevated in a child, the causes may be caused by one of the pathologies described above. It should be borne in mind that if the baby is allergic, this can also affect the result,especially with severe childhood eczema or bronchial asthma. Injuries and bruises can distort the analysis, as well as the presence of anemia in a child.
If the first result is higher than normal, you need to retake the test to make sure it is accurate. If, however, lactate dehydrogenase is elevated in a child, then a complete examination is necessary. This indicator alone does not give the right to make a final diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Treating diseases and changing LDH
If lactate dehydrogenase is elevated, treatment of the disease can gradually bring this indicator back to normal.
- In acute renal exacerbations, LDH is increased, in the chronic course of the disease it remains normal. Increases after hemodialysis.
- With cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis, LDH values are normal, at the time of an exacerbation of the disease, the values increase.
- In anemia, LDH is used for differential diagnosis.
- With a heart attack, LDH rises, and after 10-14 days it returns to normal. The control of this enzyme allows the doctor to analyze the course of treatment.
If at the beginning of the disease lactate dehydrogenase is increased, then with successful treatment of anemia, leukemia, tumor diseases, LDH activity decreases.
Here's a not-quite-simple analysis that most of us don't even know about. And he, it turns out, can tell a lot to the attending physician.
