Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Jan 2023)

Correlation of Lactate Dehydrogenase Level with Severity of Disease and In-hospital Outcome in Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Retrospective Study

  • Kawther Ghassan Bohuliga,
  • Wijdan Hasan Alkhidady,
  • Naif Khalid Alqannas,
  • Mohammed Ahmed Alghamdi,
  • Ammar Hassan Alnemer,
  • Intisar Ahmad Siddiqui,
  • Faris Hussain Alameer,
  • Tarek Ezzeldin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2023/57317.17211
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 1
pp. OC01 – OC04

Abstract

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Introduction: The presence of tissue damage in the lungs, kidneys, heart, or other organs can be detected by monitoring the level of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood and considered a reliable biomarker in early prediction of patients’ prognosis. Aim: To determine extent of correlation between LDH level with the spectrum and in-hospital outcome of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infected patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective research was undertaken during March 2020 to May 2020, based on the data of 205 COVID-19 infected patients, reported at Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Patients’ records were retrieved and the following data were recorded-age, gender, nationality, co-morbidities, lactate dehydrogenase level, number of days since the patient tested positive (Up to 7,14 and >14 days), COVID-19 symptoms [mild, moderate, or severe as per British Thoracic Society guidelines (CURB (Confusion, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure)-65)]. The data was collected and tabulated as mean±SD, frequency and percentages. Analysis was carried out using specialized software of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: On analysis of the collected data of all 205 included patients, the LDH level was found significantly high among males, 46-60 years old, and among non-Saudi patients. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms and LDH levels were found to have a strong relationship (p-value5 times more likely to lead to in-hospital poor outcomes compared to those with borderline LDH levels. Conclusion: LDH level is a reliable predictor for the cause of COVID-19. The results of the present study suggest that patients aged 46-60 years, diabetic patients, or those suffering from severe symptoms of COVID-19 have raised levels of LDH.

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