Publication:

Lactate dehydrogenase levels in preeclampsia and its correlation with maternal and perinatal outcome

Background Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy occurs in approximately 6-8% of all pregnancies. The most serious consequences for the mother and the baby are the result of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme. Recently LDH has been suggested as potential marker to predict severity of pre-eclampsia. The objective of the present study was to compare the serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women and to correlate lactate dehydrogenase levels with maternal and perinatal outcome in preeclampsia.

Methods An observational prospective study was conducted on 200 antenatal women attending the labour room emergency. Women with singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation, from 28 weeks onwards were enrolled in the study. Out of 200, 100 were normal pregnant women and 100 were preeclamptic women. Serum LDH levels were measured in all women and maternal and perinatal outcome was assessed in terms of LDH levels.

Results Higher levels of LDH was observed in pregnant women with preeclampsia (627.38±230.04 IU/l) as compared to normal pregnant women (224.43±116.61 IU/l). The maternal complications were found to be maximum in women with LDH > 800 IU/l.  Abruption was the most common complication. The perinatal mortality and neonatal deaths were found to have significant correlation with high LDH levels.

Conclusions Maternal and perinatal complications were associated with higher LDH levels in preeclampsia patients. Serum LDH levels can be offered to all patients of preeclampsia and can be used to predict the prognosis of preeclampsia.