A new parameter using serum lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase level is useful for predicting the prognosis of patients at an early stage of acute liver injury: A retrospective study

2008

Predicting Prognosis in Acute Liver Injury with ALT-LDH Index

Sample size: 33 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kotoh Kazuhiro, Enjoji Munechika, Kato Masaki, Kohjima Motoyuki, Nakamuta Makoto, Takayanagi Ryoichi

Primary Institution: Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University

Hypothesis

The production of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) might increase in the liver under hypoxic conditions and could be an indicator to discriminate between conservative survivors and fatal patients at an early stage.

Conclusion

The ALT-LDH index was useful to predict the prognosis of patients with acute liver injury and should help in preparing for liver transplantation soon after admission.

Supporting Evidence

The ALT-LDH index increased rapidly in conservative survivors but not in fatal patients.
At day 3, the ALT-LDH index showed superior prognostic sensitivity and specificity compared to the MELD score.
Patients whose symptoms appeared more than 10 days before admission were excluded from the study.

Takeaway

Doctors can use a special test called the ALT-LDH index to tell if a patient with liver problems is getting better or worse, which helps them decide if a liver transplant is needed.