The Role of Plasma Lactate Dehydrogenase Testing in the Prediction of Severe Conditions in Newborn

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.

2 Clinical and chemical pathology faculty of medicine South Valley University

10.21608/svuijm.2024.266028.1791

Abstract

Background: Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is found in all human cells and could be used as a biomarker to indicate poor neurodevelopment after prenatal asphyxia.
Objectives: To provide a general picture of the role of LDH in serious conditions in newborn infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Patients and methods: A case-control study was conducted on 100 neonates (50 patients and 50 controls) at the  NICU , Qena University Hospital, South Valley University, from April 2022 to December 2022. The study examined the relationship between LDH levels measured at admission and the clinical conditions of admitted newborns. LDH was measured after 12 hours of birth, allowing for analysis of its correlation with early neonatal health.
Results: The  patients' group had significantly higher LDH levels (P<0.001) compared to the control group, with a median of 532.5 IU/L, and an IQR of 453.7–786.1.. The ROC curve showed that LDH has an AUC of 0.870, 80% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 85.1% PPV, and 81.1% NPV at a threshold level of > 450 IU/L, significantly distinguishing patients from controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study revealed elevated LDH levels in critically ill neonates, suggesting LDH potential as a reliable marker with good discriminatory power for identifying these patients.

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SVU-International Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 8, Issue 2
July-December
July 2025
Pages 384-391

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