Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Elevated LDH Levels
• Technical Term: Elevation of levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase [LDH]

Summary

Elevated LDH levels indicate increased amounts of the enzyme lactic acid dehydrogenase in the blood. LDH is involved in energy production and is found throughout the body. High levels can suggest tissue damage, disease, or other underlying health conditions.

Causes

Elevated LDH can result from various conditions that damage cells or tissues, such as:

• Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)
• Liver disease
• Muscle injury
• Certain cancers
• Infections

Risk Factors

Factors that might increase the risk of elevated LDH levels include:

• Existing chronic diseases like liver or heart conditions
• Recent injury or surgery
• Certain infections or cancers
• Alcohol abuse

Symptoms

Elevated LDH levels themselves might not cause symptoms. However, symptoms are usually related to the underlying condition and might include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pain or discomfort in organs or tissues affected by the underlying condition (e.g., liver, muscles)

Diagnosis

Elevated LDH is typically diagnosed using:

• Blood tests to measure LDH levels
• Additional tests to determine underlying causes (e.g., liver function tests, complete blood count)

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the elevated LDH levels. Options may include:

• Medications to manage specific conditions (e.g., antiviral drugs for infections)
• Lifestyle changes or treatments specific to conditions like liver disease
• Surgery, in cases where injury or cancer is the cause

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The prognosis depends on the underlying condition responsible for elevated LDH. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage and monitor treatment effectiveness for the underlying cause.

Complications

If left untreated, complications may arise from the underlying cause, such as:

• Progression of the disease causing elevated LDH
• Organ damage or failure
• Severe anemia or infection

Lifestyle & Prevention

While direct lifestyle changes to reduce LDH levels aren't specific, managing health conditions through:

• Balanced diet and regular exercise
• Avoiding alcohol and substances that might harm the liver
• Regular health check-ups to catch complications early

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms indicative of serious underlying conditions, such as:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained pain
• Jaundice or symptoms of liver dysfunction

Additional Resources

• American Liver Foundation for information on liver health
• National Cancer Institute for cancer-related inquiries and support

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the accurate coding of elevated LDH levels using ICD code R74.02 alongside any underlying condition codes.
• Verify lab results are interpreted in the context of patient history and other findings to avoid misclassification.