Lactate dehydrogenase a biochemical marker in assessing the severity of preeclampsia

Objectives: To correlate the severity of the disease, maternal and perinatal outcome with Lactic Dehydrogenase levels in serum in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Govt Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Out of 150 women studied, 75 women were normal pregnant women, 28 women were non severe preeclampsia, 27 cases were severe preeclampsia and 20 cases were eclampsia. The statistical analysis was done by chi square test analysis of variance and sample “t” test. Results: LDH levels were significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia (<0.001). Higher LDH levels had significant correlation with high blood pressure (p<0.10) as well as poor maternal and perinatal outcome. Conclusion: High Serum LDH levels correlate well with the severity of the disease and poor outcomes in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia.