Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Predictor of Severity of Preeclampsia and its Association with Fetomaternal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a rapidly progressing pregnancy-specific disorder which is the leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a valuable and potential biomarker for predicting the severity of preeclampsia. The present study was undertaken to find out the association between serum LDH levels with feto-maternal outcomes in preeclamptic women with and without severity.

Materials and Methods: This institution-based observational prospective cohort study included 100 pregnant women beyond 28 weeks of gestation diagnosed with preeclampsia; among them 50 were non-severe preeclamptic mothers (Group1) and another 50 were severe preeclamptic mothers (Group2). The serum LDH were measured and subsequently categorized based on the serum LDH levels into the followings: (<600IU/L, 600-800IU/L and >800IU/L). Severity of preeclampsia and feto-maternal outcomes were evaluated according to the serum LDH levels.

Results: The serum LDH levels were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in severe preeclamptic mothers. Both mean systolic blood pressure and mean diastolic blood pressure were seen statistically high with serum LDH level≥600IU/L (p<0.0001). Cesarean delivery was less likely when serum LDH level was ≥600IU/L compared to <600IU/L (p=0.0031). Apgar score at 5 minutes were statistically lower(p<0.0001) with serum LDH levels ≥600IU/L. Maternal complications, neonatal intensive care unit admission and stillbirth rate were higher in severe preeclamptic mothers with high serum LDH levels(≥600IU/L).

Conclusions: The serum LDH levels were high in mothers with severe preeclampsia and associated with the disease severity as well as poor feto-maternal outcomes. So, serum LDH may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the severity of preeclampsia.