Background: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found inside most of body cells and has an important role in generation of energy via the inter conversion of pyruvate and lactate. LDH is elevated in severe infectious or inflammatory diseases including patients with COVID-19 infection.
Aim and objectives: to assess value of serum level of LDH as a predictor of severity and mortality in children infected with SARS COV 2 virus.
Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional analysis encompassed a sample of 81 pediatric patients admitted to Benha Children Hospital, who were categorized into two distinct cohorts: those exhibiting severe symptoms and those with non-severe manifestations. LDH concentrations were quantified across both groups and their associations with CBC, D-dimer levels, hepatic function markers, and serum ferritin were evaluated. Additionally, these clinical indicators were assessed in context of hospital stay duration, necessity for invasive respiratory support, cardiac intervention, and overall patient outcomes. The classification of “severe disease" was based on clinical requirements for inotropic support, meeting criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome, dependence on mechanical ventilation, or the need for admission to ICU. Results: LDH levels were elevated in severe group. Causes of admission, length of stay, and treatment strategies varied between two groups. A significant correlation was found between LDH levels and liver function, D-dimer, and serum ferritin. Additionally higher LDH levels were correlated with need for invasive ventilation, cardiac support and adverse clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: LDH could be identified as a predictive factor for severity and mortality in children with COVID-19.