Background and Importance of LDH Monitoring

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 13 views

Background and Importance of LDH Monitoring

The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial marker in predicting the development and handling of COVID-19 patients. Previous studies have shown that an increase in LDH levels in Covid-19 patients treated in hospitals is related to a higher risk of death. This increase in LDH levels is caused by tissue damage due to SARS-COV-2 virus infection. Understanding the relationship between LDH levels and the severity of COVID-19 is essential in managing and treating patients effectively.

Objective and Methodology

This study aims to reveal the relationship between LDH value and the severity of COVID-19. The study involved 55 positive confirmed patients through RT-PCR SARS-COV-2 at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan (November 2021-March 2022). The LDH value examination was carried out by the Chemiluminescent Immunoassays (Abbott Architect) method. The degree of COVID-19 severity was assessed based on the operational criteria of the Covid-19 case in Indonesia.

Results and Analysis

Of the 55 patients studied, the average age of the patient was 45.73 years with a male dominance of 54.5%. Based on the degree of severity, patients with moderate, severe, and critical conditions were found as many as 63.6%, 29.1%, and 7.3%, respectively. The average LDH value when the patient was hospitalized was 278 U/L. LDH values were higher in patients with severe conditions (333.19 U/L) and critical (465.75 U/L) compared to patients with moderate conditions (231.31 U/L). Increased LDH ≥ 256 U/L was significantly related to the severity of COVID-19 when entering the hospital (CI 95%; p = 0.001).

Conclusion and Implications

The value of LDH ≥ 256 U/L is significantly related to the severity of COVID-19 when the patient is hospitalized. This finding shows that LDH can be an important indicator for assessing the risk and degree of COVID-19 severity. LDH monitoring is crucial in clinical decision-making and the development of treatment strategies.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This study provides strong evidence of the correlation between LDH levels and the severity of COVID-19. This finding is important to understand and manage Covid-19 patients in the hospital.

The Importance of LDH Monitoring

The results of the study show that high LDH levels can be an initial indicator of more serious conditions in COVID-19 patients. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring LDH levels in patients suspected of being infected with COVID-19, especially those treated in hospitals.

Clinical Decision Making

High LDH levels can help doctors in making proper clinical decisions, such as indicating the need for intensive care, the use of oxygen therapy, or more aggressive antiviral therapy.

Development of Treatment Strategies

Understanding the relationship between LDH and the severity of Covid-19 opens opportunities for more effective treatment strategies, such as finding therapy that can reduce LDH levels and improve treatment outcomes.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

It is essential to note that this research only looks at the correlation between LDH levels and the severity of COVID-19. To understand the relationship of causality and the role of LDH in the Pathogenesis of Covid-19, more comprehensive further research is needed.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study provides significant evidence of the relationship between LDH levels and the severity of COVID-19. LDH monitoring and understanding of its correlation with the severity of COVID-19 can be a valuable tool for increasing the diagnosis, prognosis, and handling of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Further research is necessary to explore the potential of LDH as a biomarker for COVID-19 and to develop more effective treatment strategies.

Q: What is LDH and why is it important in COVID-19 patients?

A: LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) is an enzyme that is found in many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. In COVID-19 patients, high levels of LDH can indicate tissue damage and inflammation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Q: What are the symptoms of high LDH levels in COVID-19 patients?

A: High LDH levels in COVID-19 patients can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion. In severe cases, high LDH levels can lead to organ failure and death.

Q: How is LDH measured in COVID-19 patients?

A: LDH is typically measured using a blood test, which involves drawing a sample of blood from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Q: What are the normal and abnormal ranges for LDH levels in COVID-19 patients?

A: Normal LDH levels in healthy individuals typically range from 100 to 190 U/L. In COVID-19 patients, abnormal LDH levels can range from 200 to 500 U/L or higher, depending on the severity of the disease.

Q: Can LDH levels be used to predict the severity of COVID-19?

A: Yes, LDH levels can be used to predict the severity of COVID-19. Studies have shown that high LDH levels are associated with more severe disease and a higher risk of mortality.

Q: Can LDH levels be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in COVID-19 patients?

A: Yes, LDH levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in COVID-19 patients. A decrease in LDH levels can indicate a response to treatment, while an increase in LDH levels can indicate a worsening of the disease.

Q: Are there any limitations to using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19?

A: Yes, there are several limitations to using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19. These include the fact that LDH levels can be elevated in other conditions, such as heart disease and liver disease, and that LDH levels can be affected by various factors, such as age and sex.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19?

A: The potential benefits of using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19 include improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease. LDH levels can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to identify patients who are at high risk of severe disease.

Q: What are the potential risks of using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19?

A: The potential risks of using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19 include the risk of false positives and false negatives, as well as the risk of over-reliance on LDH levels as a diagnostic tool. Additionally, LDH levels can be affected by various factors, such as age and sex, which can lead to inaccurate results.

Q: What is the current state of research on LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19?

A: The current state of research on LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19 is ongoing, with several studies investigating the relationship between LDH levels and the severity of COVID-19. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of using LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19.

Q: What are the potential future directions for research on LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19?

A: The potential future directions for research on LDH levels as a biomarker for COVID-19 include investigating the relationship between LDH levels and other biomarkers, such as inflammatory markers and cardiac biomarkers, as well as exploring the use of LDH levels as a prognostic tool for COVID-19.