Research and Reports in Neonatology (Aug 2020)
The Role of Plasma Lactate Dehydrogenase Testing in the Prediction of Severe Conditions in Newborn Infants: A Prospective Study
Abstract
Ton Nu Van Anh,1,* Tran Kiem Hao,2,* Huynh Huu Hoang3 1Department of Pediatrics, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam; 2Pediatric Center, Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Vietnam; 3Quang Nam Hospital for Women and Children, Tam Ky City, Vietnam*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ton Nu Van AnhDepartment of Pediatrics, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen St, Hue City, VietnamTel +84 982 066 063Email [email protected]: Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an indicator of body tissue hypoxia. This study aimed to determine the relationship between plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentrations and severe conditions in newborn infants.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on newborn infants who were admitted to the newborn care unit at Hue University hospital from April 2016 to May 2017 in the early neonatal period (within 12 hours postpartum). Plasma LDH was measured at the time of admission and correlated to clinical conditions.Results: In 275 newborn infants, plasma LDH levels in the term infants were significantly higher than that in the preterm infants [751 (IQR: 602– 922) vs 594 (IQR: 496.75– 767.25), p=0.0006]. There was a relationship between the signs of feeding problems, tachypnea, and cyanosis with plasma LDH levels (p < 0.01). Infants with asphyxia had significantly higher LDH values than the non-asphyxia group [756 (640– 1110) vs 712 (576– 882.25) p=0.0289]. Infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis had significantly higher LDH values than those without early-onset neonatal sepsis [755.5 (IQR: 645– 960.5) vs 707 (IQR: 562.25– 881.25) p=0.0035]. Infants with respiratory distress requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) had significantly higher LDH values than those with illnesses not requiring CPAP [903 (IQR: 628.75– 1285.25) vs 719 (IQR: 576.5– 882) p=0.0421]. By using multivariate regression analysis, we found a significant multifactorial correlation between gestational age, early-onset neonatal sepsis, asphyxia, and respiratory distress requiring CPAP with plasma LDH levels (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Plasma LDH level can be a good marker for the prognosis of severe conditions in newborn infants, including early-onset neonatal sepsis, asphyxia, and respiratory-distress.Keywords: newborn infants, plasma lactate dehydrogenase, neonatal sepsis, asphyxia, respiratory distress
