Lactate dehydrodgenase levels predict pulmonary morbidity after lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer

The prevention of pulmonary complication after pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer may minimize postoperative mortality rates and hospitalization period. The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with the development of pulmonary complications after lung resections to help predict which patients are at increased risk for morbidity.

From January 2000 to June 2003, 108 consecutive pulmonary resections were performed for non-small cell lung cancer in our institution. The following information was recorded: demographic, clinical, functional, and surgical variables. We evaluated all complications, which arose after pulmonary resection during hospitalization. The risk of complication was evaluated using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratio.

Sixty-six lobectomies, 31 pneumonectomies, 11 bilobectomies and four wedge resections were done. Forty-nine complications were realized in all patients. A logistic regression analysis on relevant variables showed that only the increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (>320 U/l) was a significant predictor of a pulmonary complication (P=0.03). Age, side of resection, low FEV(1), stage of the disease, low partial arterial oxygen pressure, low partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure, cigarette smoking and concomitant disease were not significant predictors of morbidity.

Patients who have higher serum LDH levels are at increased risk for developing postoperative morbidity. Postoperative physical therapy and medical care might be intensified in those patients at high risk.