Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity as a biomarker in children with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were studied in children with HbSS and HbSC in a single institution, and their relationship to cerebral vasculopathy as assessed by transcranial Doppler scanning (TCD). All children with HbSS (n = 97) and HbSC (n = 18) who underwent a TCD scan in 2006 were studied. LDH levels were higher in HbSS patients than HbSC (581 IU/l vs. 305 IU/l, P < 0.001). In children with HbSS, LDH correlated significantly with haemoglobin, reticulocytes, aspartate transaminase and creatinine. LDH also correlated positively and significantly with TCD measurements in the middle and anterior cerebral artery circulations in the children with HbSS.