Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Prognostic Biomarker in Severe Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit

Sepsis ranks as one of the principal death-causing conditions in present-day society. The medical community identifies lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a potential tool to assess sepsis severity. Objectives: To assess how LDH blood concentrations relate to severe sepsis progression. Methods: A retrospective examination took place within the intensive care unit (ICU) at Shahida Islam Medical Complex. Data of patients of both genders, aged between 18-75 years, and who were admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis. Biochemical data, including necessary laboratory investigations, infection areas, and comorbidities, were documented. The study subjects were analyzed concerning LDH ≤230 U/L (n=41) and LDH >230 U/L (n=55). Univariate Cox regression analysis for 21-day mortality was also carried out. Results: The records of 96 patients as per inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for this study. There were 61 (63.5%) patients who were male. The overall mean age was 54.2 ± 12.6 years. LDH ≥230 U/L was found to have a significant association with findings that included significantly higher CRP (p=0.0001) and LDH levels (p=0.0001) in patients with LDH ≥230 U/L compared to LDH <230 U/L. A significant association high SOFA score (p=0.002), and APACHE-II score (p=0.001) was found with LDH≥230 U/L. Strong associations of the biochemical levels, which included LDH levels (HR=1.006, p=0.010), lactate levels (HR=1.498, p=0.002), and creatinine levels (HR=1.483, p=0.005) were seen with mortality. Conclusions: It was concluded that elevated LDH levels were associated with increased disease severity and adverse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality rates, in severe sepsis patients.