Lactate dehydrogenase and maternal and perinatal outcome in preeclamptic women

Lactate dehydrogenase and maternal and perinatal outcome in preeclamptic women: Simmi Kharb, N Bhandari, A Singh, A Gupta



Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences 2019 7(2):163-166



Background: Preeclampsia is a condition that is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurring after 28 weeks of gestation. It complicates 5%–8% of all pregnancies. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme and its level is increased in preeclamptic women due to cellular death. Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder and leads to a lot of cellular death. It carries substantial risks for both fetus and mother with a subsequent increase in the perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim: The present study was planned to estimate and compare the serum LDH levels in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women and to correlate LDH levels with maternal and perinatal outcome in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This observational prospective study was conducted on 200 antenatal women. Women were divided into two groups, namely Group I (n = 100) comprised of women with preeclampsia (study group) and it was further subdivided into three categories on the basis of LDH levels: A (n = 53): <600 IU, B (n = 27): 600–800 IU, and C (n = 20): >800 IU and Group II (n = 100, control) comprised of normotensive pregnant women. LDH levels of both the groups were compared, and association of maternal and perinatal outcome was assessed in relation to LDH levels. Results: With increased severity of preeclampsia, rise in the LDH levels was observed. Severely preeclamptic women with LDH levels >800 IU/l showed a significant increase in incidence of eclampsia, abruption, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and intensive care unit (ICU)/respiratory ICU transfer as compared to women who had lower levels <600 IU/l. A significant difference was observed among sepsis, mortality, and neonatal deaths between subgroups of preeclampsia according to the levels of LDH. Conclusion: LDH levels are associated with severity of preeclampsia and occurrence of maternal and fetal complications.