Increased lactate dehydrogenase: causes, treatment

In the modern world, science does not stand still. Diseases are carefully studied, and scientists are looking for ways to deal with them. Doctors often prescribe to take tests that are not understood by ordinary people, but this result can confirm or deny the doctor's fears. So the analysis on LDH, and especially increased lactate dehydrogenase speaks volumes. 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 the tissues in different amounts. In the process of breathing, the cells form a salt of lactic acid. Lactate dehydrogenase promotes its transition to pyruvic, which participates in the high-energy oxidation process. It promotes the rapid release of energy from glucose, which is necessary for muscle contraction, the course of biochemical processes. The result is products that are easily removed from the body - carbon dioxide and water. If there is insufficient oxygen, the enzyme accumulates, pathologies arise that accelerate the decay of cells. They will lead to the fact that lactate dehydrogenase is increased. This indicator is very sensitive to the destruction of cellular structures.

Lactate dehydrogenase, if arranged in order of decreasing quantity, is found in such organs and tissues:

• In the kidneys.
• Heart muscle.
• Skeletal musculature.
• The pancreas.
• Spleen.
• The chemical laboratory of our body is the liver.
• Light.
• In the blood serum.

Types of LDH

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 this or that organ, there are types of this enzyme:

• LDG-1 - mainly in the heart and blood cells.
• 2 - in leukocytes.
• 3 - in the lung tissue.
• LDH - 4 - most in the kidneys, placenta, pancreas.
• 5 - found in the liver and striated muscle tissue.

Due to this, it can be concluded which isoenzyme has raised the level of LDH, and determine the disease.

When this analysis is assigned

There are several conditions in which it is necessary to control the LDH level:

• In diseases of the hepatobiliary system.
• After myocardial infarction.
• When different tumors are detected.
• If it is necessary to determine the type of anemia.
• In diseases with elevated hemolysis.
• At sharp pains in the field of a thorax.
• If there are lesions of the liver or kidneys.
• For examination of tissues and muscles after injury or illness.

The influence of factors on the result of analysis

If the doctor has suspected that you have elevated lactate dehydrogenase, only an analysis can disprove or confirm it.

A blood test for LDH is done in the morning on an empty stomach. Blood is taken from the vein. Before going to the treatment room, no special food is required. Only it is necessary to know that there are factors that can distort the result. What can affect the accuracy of the result of the analysis:

1. Admission of vitamin C can lower the level of LDH in the blood.
2. The use of electropulse therapy on the eve of the analysis.
3. Skin problems.
4. The alcohol content of the blood.
5. Thrombocytosis.
6. The use of hemodialysis.
7. Some medications, such as, "Aspirin", "Mithramycin", anesthetics, fluorides can increase the level of the enzyme.
8. Excessive physical activity.

These factors can affect the result, but this does not mean that the body has pathological processes.

Before you find out the enzyme content in your blood, you need to consult a doctor, which drugs should be canceled before going to the laboratory.

It is very important to transport and store the blood properly, as non-compliance can lead to hemolysis of the blood, and as a result, increased lactate dehydrogenase.

LHG norm values for children and adults

The lactate dehydrogenase content changes with age. The older the person becomes, the lower they become. So, the concentration of LDH:

• Newborns - up to 28.9 mk / liter.
• From 1 year to 3 years - up to 14.2 mkat / l.
• At boys from 7 years up to 12 years - up to 12,7 mkat / l.
• Girls from 7 years to 12 years - up to 9.67 mk / liter.
• Men - up to 11,4 mkat / l.
• Women - up to 7.27 mk / liter.

Indicators of LDH can be higher and lower than normal.

Increased lactate dehydrogenase - causes

Elevated rates are observed in pregnant women and with excessive physical exertion.

If, as a result of the analysis, lactate dehydrogenase is increased. The reasons for this are the development of the following states:

• Myocardial infarction.
• Viral diseases of the liver.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Oncology.
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Pathological diseases of the kidneys.
• Anemia.
• Leukemia.
• The conditions under which there is extensive cell decay: shock, severe hypoxia, large area burns.
• Extensive injuries.
• Diseases of the muscular system.

However, not only this analysis confirms the presence of pathology in the body. Further examination is necessary. By studying the activity of isoenzymes, a specialist will be able to determine the localization of the disease.

The value of LDH isoenzyme indices

If we consider in more detail the increase in lactate dehydrogenase of a certain type, we can identify foci of possibly developing pathology.

The increase in LDH-1 or LDH-1 / LDH-2 ratio is possible under the following conditions:

• Acute myocardial infarction.
• Anemia of hemolytic megaloblastic.
• Acute necrosis of the kidneys.
• In the presence of tumors of the male and female sexual sphere.

The increase in LDH-5 is characteristic when:

• Diseases of the liver.
• Cancer.
• Injury of skeletal muscles.

The increase in LDH-2 and LDH-3 is usually observed when:

• Ostrom leukemia.
• Chronic granulocytosis.

An increase in LDH-3, possibly in part LDG-4 and LDG-5, is most likely, if there are:

• Kidney disease.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Heart failure, developing with the involvement of lung tissue.

The increase in LDH-4 LDG-5 is detected if it is diagnosed:

• Violation of blood circulation due to poor heart function.
• Lesion of the liver.
• Muscle injuries.

LDH in children

If we talk about children, we should take into account the age of the child. Children LDH rates are higher. Also, before going to the doctor, it is necessary to follow what preparations the child is taking and observe his physical activity. If lactate dehydrogenase is increased in a child, the causes can be caused by one of the pathologies described above. It should be borne in mind that if the baby is allergic, it can also affect the result, especially with pronounced childhood eczema or bronchial asthma. Injuries and bruises can distort the analysis, as well as the presence of anemia in the child.

If the first result is higher than normal, you need to retake the analysis to make sure it is accurate. If, however, lactate dehydrogenase is increased in a child, then a complete examination is necessary. One this indicator does not give the right to make the final diagnosis and the appointment of treatment.

Treatment of diseases and changes in LDH

If lactate dehydrogenase is increased, treatment of the disease can gradually bring this indicator back to normal.

1. In acute renal exacerbations, LDH is increased, with chronic course of the disease remains normal. Increases after hemodialysis.
2. With liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, LDH values are normal, at the moment of exacerbation of the disease, the values increase.
3. With anemia, LDH is used for differential diagnosis.
4. With a heart attack, LDH rises, and after 10-14 days comes back 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, tumoral diseases, LDH activity decreases.

This is not an entirely simple analysis, which most of us do not even guess. And he, it turns out, can tell a lot to the treating doctor.