Significance of Elevated Serum LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) Activity in Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) was elevated in most cases with the severe type of atopic dermatitis (AD). We examined whether LDH correlated specifically with the clinical courses and the severity of AD skin eruptions. Blood eosinophil numbers (Eo), LDH and its isoenzymes, and serum IgE (IgE) levels in eighty patients with AD were measured before and after treatment. In improved groups, Eo and LDH decreased or returned to normal values after treatment. In contrast, both levels increased in patients who worsened after treatment. Thus changes in Eo and LDH correlated well with the clinical picture. However, IgE levels did not correlate with the clinical condition. High LDH levels were detected in the severe type of AD more frequently than in the mild type. A large majority of patients with elevated LDH (higher than 300 IU/l) before treatment had more severe skin eruptions. When the LDH before treatment was within normal limits, the LDH levels in improved patients showed a further decrease. Eo, LDH and IgE were correlated closely with the clinical scores of AD, and the relationship between LDH and clinical score was the highest. Elevations of LDH5 and LDH4 among the LDH isoenzymes were more prominent in the severe type of AD than in the mild type. We concluded that LDH was useful as a marker for evaluating the disease condition and severity of skin eruption of AD.

Association of serum interleukin-18 and other biomarkers with disease severity in adults with atopic dermatitis

“…Because TARC is produced by T cells, the association between TARC and IL-18 levels suggests involvement of an aberrant adaptive immune response in our adult AD patients. We also found a strong association between serum IL-18 and LDH levels, as in a previous study [21]. LDH is an enzyme that is widely distributed in tissues, including the skin, and is generally elevated due to various disease processes.…”

Safety and Efficacy of 1 Year of Tacrolimus Ointment Monotherapy in Adults With Atopic Dermatitis

“…3,4 All other mean laboratory values were within the reference range during the study and showed no marked changes over time. One patient experienced an increase in transaminase levels that resolved before treatment discontinuation.…”

New Horny Layer Marker Proteins for Evaluating Skin Condition in Atopic Dermatitis

“…Immunologic states of AD patients are generally determined by measuring some blood parameters, such as the eosinophil number and the serum levels of total IgE and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the latter of which is released from impaired skin. These measurements also differently reflect the severity of AD [9]. Taken together, it still remains difficult to evaluate the severity of skin inflammation correctly and objectively.…”