A Prospective Study on Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels in Acute Intestinal Obstruction as a Marker of Bowel Gangrene

Background Intestinal obstruction continues to be one of the most common causes of emergencies presenting to the surgical department. A thorough clinical examination along with relevant investigations continue to be best modality for timely management and prompt decision-making in such cases. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify patients of intestinal obstruction with elevated levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and correlate elevated LDH levels with bowel viability. Materials and methods The study comprised 46 cases of intestinal obstruction and their serum LDH values measured prior to surgical intervention/first day of admission. The intra-operative bowel viability was noted and compared with LDH values obtained, and their correlation was studied along with other variables of the patient. Results In our study, it was found that a serum LDH level of >800 IU/L signified an abnormal bowel with increased risk of bowel gangrene, as indicated by a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 94%. Gangrenous bowel was found to be more associated with causes such as superior mesenteric artery/vein thrombosis, volvulus, and habits such as alcoholism and tobacco consumption. Elevated LDH levels, however, do not correlate with the length of the affected gangrenous bowel, with the duration of presentation of symptoms, or as a predictor of mortality. Conclusion Serum LDH can be used as a good predictor of gangrenous bowel in cases of intestinal obstruction.