Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Prognosticating Tool in Predicting NICU Stay and Oxygen Dependence in Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid Neonates

Abstract

Introduction: Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is elevated in blood during hypoxia/ tissue damage. The LDH values are elevated in newborns born to Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF); the degree of elevation correlates with the amount of hypoxia. Hence, LDH values can be used to quantify the outcome in MSAF newborns. Aim: To assess the LDH level and relation of duration of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay. To predict the duration of oxygen dependence in newborns born to MSAF using LDH level at birth. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 to June 2018. Cord blood LDH in all MSAF newborns (118) was measured. The newborns were observed for prolonged NICU stay and duration of oxygen dependence. Re was assessed between high LDH level and prolonged NICU stay and duration of oxygen dependence. Results: The study showed a relation between higher level of cord blood LDH and prolonged NICU stay (p=0.08). It also depicted that as the cord blood LDH level increases, there is an increase in duration of oxygen supplementation to the newborns (p=0.8), however on further increase in LDH level the duration of oxygen given decreased. Conclusion: LDH levels can be used as a prognosticating tool in predicting NICU stay and oxygen dependence. However, larger studies are needed in the Indian population to conclude the same.

Keywords

• ldh significance
• msaf morbidity
• msaf prognosis
• nicu financial planning