LDH Pleural Fluid

This test is used to evaluate the levels of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase present in the pleural fluid. The lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme used during the process of converting sugar into energy within the cells. The change in concentrations of LDH and accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity may be caused due to various reasons which include malignancies, chest infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, sepsis, lactic acidosis etc.

What is lactate dehydrogenase?

Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme present in many organs and tissues throughout the body, like liver, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles, lymph tissues, and blood. This enzyme is useful in the production of energy from glucose within the cells. The LDH concentrations in the body fluids like CSF, peritoneal, pleural, pericardial etc may change during illness or damage to the cells or the surrounding tissues and can be used to diagnose the severity or the type of illness.

What is Pleural fluid?

The space between the chest wall and lungs is called the pleural cavity, the pleural cavity is made of two pleura called as the outer pleura or parietal pleura and inner or visceral pleura. The space between these pleura is filled by a small amount of fluid called the pleural fluid. The pleural fluid lubricates the lungs and prevents the friction between the chest wall and lungs. The volume and composition of pleural fluid may change due to an imbalance of pressure of liquid between the blood vessels (Cirrhosis, heart failure), pancreatic diseases or disorders, cancers (lung and pancreatic cancers), infections (Pneumonia, tuberculosis), autoimmune disorders etc.

Why is this test performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like chest tightness or discomfort, fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, heart rate, increased white blood cell count etc. This test may be specially performed to check if there are any bacterial or fungal infections or not.

This test is recommended to patients suffering from diseases or conditions like malignancies, chest infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, sepsis, lactic acidosis, pancreatic and liver diseases, shock, kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes etc. This test may also be recommended to evaluate the progress of the treatment or to evaluate the condition of the patient.

Why is this test performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain or feeling of fullness, coughing, difficulty in breathing, chest pain or pressure, weakness etc.

This test can also be recommended for individuals to check existing conditions like acute pancreatitis, cardiac(heart) and pulmonary (lung) disorders, malignancies etc.

No special preparation is needed for this test. However, report the use of any medicines, allergies, and underlying medical conditions to your doctor before undergoing this test as your doctor may provide appropriate instructions based on your condition.