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Blood enzyme test may predict sickle cell complications

A blood test that measures the Level of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients with sickle cell disease may predict a patient's risk for major disease-related complications, according to a March 6, 2006, news release from the American Society of Hematology. The researchers suggest that physicians consider adding the LDH test to routine visits for adult patients with this disease.

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The LDH enzyme is found in high concentrations in the heart, kidney, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. When these tissues become diseased, the cells containing LDH release the enzyme, resulting in an elevation of LDH Levels in the bloodstream. Healthy adults have LDH levels of up to 200 international units/L. The study found that patients with high LDH levels Lie, 512 to 1171 international units/L) presented with a history of sickle cell complications, including Leg ulcerations and priapism (ie, abnormal, persistent, painful penile erection). The increased levels of LDH also corresponded with a patient's risk for pulmonary hypertension and early mortality. These correlations were found in patients with sickle cell disease, regardless of whether they currently were taking hydroxyurea, the standard medication prescribed for this disease.

Simple Test Could Predict Major Complications in Sickle Cell Patients (news release, Washington, DC: American Society of Hematology, March 6, 2006) http://www .eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/asoh-stc030606.php (accessed 6 March 2006).

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Blood enzyme test may predict sickle cell complications

AORN Journal, July, 2006

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