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Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Isoenzymes

Test Number 001842
Test number copied
CPT 83615; 83625
Synonyms
  • Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes
  • LD Isoenzymes
  • LDH Isoenzymes

Test Details

Methodology

Electrophoresis

Result Turnaround Time

3 - 6 days

Use

Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is an enzyme that is found in almost all of the body's cells, but only a small amount of it is usually detectable in the blood. LD is released from the cells into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or destroyed. Because of this, the LD test can be used as a general marker of injury to cells.

Although there is some overlap, each of the five LD isoenzymes tends to be concentrated in specific body tissues. In general, the isoenzyme locations are as follows:

• LD1: Heart, red blood cells, kidney

• LD2: Heart, red blood cells, kidney (lesser amounts than LD1)

• LD3: Lungs and other tissues

• LD4: White blood cells, lymph nodes, muscle, liver (lesser amounts than LD5)

• LD5: Liver, skeletal muscle

Changes of LD isoenzymes periodically measured following onset of chest pain, studying the relationships of the anodic fractions, provide important information for the differential diagnosis of acute infarct of myocardium. The differential diagnosis of certain other diseases is enhanced as well with the use of LD isoenzymes.

Useful in the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, megaloblastic anemia (folate deficiency, pernicious anemia), hemolytic anemia, and very occasionally renal infarct. These entities are characterized by LD1 increases, often with LD1:LD2 inversion.

The isomorphic pattern (total LD significantly high with no increase in percentage, of any fraction) is seen with neoplasia, cardiorespiratory diseases, hypothyroidism, infectious mononucleosis, and other inflammatory states, uremia, and necrosis.

LD5 increases are seen with striated muscle lesions (eg, trauma) and with liver diseases (eg, hepatic congestion, congestive heart failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism). LD5 increase is probably more significant when the LD5:LD4 ratio is increased.

Although a modicum of controversy exists regarding the most suitable criteria for LD isoenzymes for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, almost all laboratories recognize abnormality when LD1 equals or is greater than LD2. Alternatives to LD1 greater than LD2 have been proposed. Using an electrophoretic method (Helena), Rotenberg et al suggested the criterion of LD1 >90 units/L.1 A 1988 study examines application of LD1:LD4 and other ratios and finds that the LD1:LD4 ratio optimizes earlier and is the most powerful diagnostic ratio for acute myocardial infarction.2

A few percent of normal individuals may have LD1:LD2 ratios as high as 0.81. A ratio of 0.82−0.99 is suspicious of myocardial injury. A ratio >1.0 is diagnostic of myocardial injury, if other clinical criteria are met. In unstable angina, an increase of the LD1:LD2 ratio is described with normal total LD;3 however, progressively increasing LD1:LD2 ratio without complete inversion may have diagnostic significance for acute myocardial infarct.4

Persistent LD1:LD2 flip following acute myocardial infarct may represent a marker for reinfarction.5 Especially when acute myocardial infarction is complicated by shock, the isomorphic pattern may be found.6 LD1:LD2 inversion commonly appears subsequent to the isomorphic pattern in instances of acute myocardial infarction.7

The appearance of an LD “flip” (when LD1 is greater than LD2) is extremely helpful in diagnosis of MI. The presence of a LD “flip” a day following or with the detection of CK-MB is essentially diagnostic of MI, if baseline cardiac enzymes/isoenzymes are normal and if rises and falls are as anticipated for the diagnosis of acute MI. While CK-MB peaks 12 to 24 hours after onset of infarction, LD isoenzymes usually become diagnostic at about 36 to 55 hours after onset and return to normal between 3 and 14 days after onset.

Specimen Requirements

Test Includes

Total serum LD and relative percentage of isoenzymes (LD1-5)

Limitations

Timing is important in diagnosis of acute myocardial infarct (MI). In a small percentage of patients with acute myocardial infarction, the expected flip (reversal) of LD1:LD2 does not occur; in such patients, there is often simply an increase in LD1.

Custom Additional Information

Patterns of LD isoenzymes in acute pulmonary edema include the isomorphic pattern and LD5 increases.8 Serum LD increases also in patients with bacterial pneumonia, in whom LD isoenzyme patterns are described.9

Macroenzymes, high molecular weight complexes, occur with LD as well as with CK and other enzymes. LD isoenzymes may complex to IgA or IgG. Such LD macroenzymes are characterized by abnormal position of isoenzyme bands, broadening or abnormal motility of a band and otherwise unexplained increase of total serum LD. Some of these patients have abnormal ANA results and IgG complexes.10 Some have abnormalities of light chains.11 Treatment with streptokinase was found to produce a LD-streptokinase complex which was seen as a band at the origin in electrophoresis.12

An isoenzyme band cathodal to LD5 has been called LD6. It is not an immunoglobulin complex. It has occurred in subjects with liver disease and is said to indicate a grave prognosis.10,13,14

The association between LD1 and testicular seminoma has been widely recognized. Its relationship to nonseminomatous testicular tumors as well is described.15 The ovarian equivalent of seminoma is dysgerminoma, which also may relate to LD1 increases.16,17 A variety of malignant tumors are characterized by total LD increases, sometimes with isomorphic patterns7 or with LD5 increases.18 Increased LD5:LD1 ratio is suggestive of prostatic carcinoma or other cancers.19 Increases in LD1:LD4 ratio was found to be a good indicator of MI.20

In a series of 220 patients with carcinoma of breast, LD was the most common enzyme elevated. The nonspecificity of single enzyme elevation was discussed, but enzymes provide an inexpensive baseline for postoperative follow-up. Enzyme elevation defines a subgroup of patients deserving further evaluation.21 In malignancy of various types, there is reported an abnormal isoenzyme of LD migrating between albumin and LD1 on agarose gel electrophoresis.22

An inverted LD5:LD4 ratio is not to be confused with LD1:LD2 ratio, used to evaluate acute MI. There is evidence that when LD5 sufficiently exceeds LD4, liver disease might exist. Such liver disease might be primary or secondary (eg, congestive heart failure). Additional tests which may be useful, if clinically indicated, to work up such possible liver disease or injury might include ALT (SGPT), GGT, serum protein electrophoresis, and prothrombin time. LD5 is the striated muscle as well as the liver fraction. Although striated muscle problems are usually clinically obvious, occasionally the physician does not get a clinical history of the postictal state or of various withdrawal syndromes. In such situations, a CK may be helpful.

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature. Do not freeze. Do not refrigerate for more than three days.

Causes for Rejection

Hemolysis; prolonged contact of serum with red cells; frozen specimen; specimen refrigerated more than three days after collection at time of testing

Collection Instructions

Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Stability Requirements

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

3 days

Frozen

Unstable

Freeze/thaw cycles

Unstable

Reference Range

• Total: See table.

• LD1: 17% to 32%

• LD2: 25% to 40%

• LD3: 17% to 27%

• LD4: 5% to 13%

• LD5: 4% to 20%

Age

Male (IU/L)*

Female (IU/L)*

*LabCorp internal studies.

0 to 7 d

123−237

123−237

8 to 30 d

126−331

130−275

1 to 11 m

143−381

128−376

1 to 3 y

195−361

192−352

4 to 6 y

180−313

180−311

7 to 9 y

166−291

166−290

10 to 12 y

155−280

135−260

13 to 15 y

126−244

118−215

16 to 17 y

118−222

114−209

>17 y

121−224

119−226

LD Isoenzyme Interpretation

Abbrev*

Total LDH

LD1

LD2

LD3

LD4

LD5

*See following interpretation of abbreviations.

H = high (increased).

− = within reference (normal) interval or decreased.

N = within reference (normal) interval.

Case 1

H

H

H

−

−

−

Case 2

H

H

H

−

−

−

Case 3

H

H>

H

−

−

−

Case 4

H

H>

H

−

−

H

Case 5

H

H

H

−

−

H

Case 6

H

−

−

−

H

H

Case 7

H

−

H

H

H

−

Case 8

H

H

H

H

H

H

Case 9

H

−

−

−

−

−

Case 10

N

−

−

−

−

−

Case 11

H

−

−

−

−

H

Case 12

Other patterns not shown above

Interpretations:

• Case 1: Patient specimen was visibly hemolyzed, which may have produced the elevations of LD1 and LD2 on the LD isoenzyme pattern.

• Case 2: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates elevations of LD1 and LD2. These increases would be compatible with diagnostic considerations involving myocardial infarction, megaloblastic anemia, acute renal infarction, in vivo hemolytic process (eg, hemolytic anemia), or in the later stages of muscular dystrophy.

• Case 3: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates LD1 greater than LD2. In the appropriate clinical setting, this pattern is most compatible with postmyocardial infarction occurring at least 8 to 12 hours prior to venipuncture.

• Case 4: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates LD1 greater than LD2 and an increase of LD5. This pattern would be most compatible with passive hepatic congestion following an acute myocardial infarction or right-sided congestive heart failure associated with myocardial infarction.

• Case 5: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates elevations of LD1 and LD2 and an increase of LD5. This pattern would be compatible with diagnostic considerations involving passive hepatic congestion or right-sided congestive heart failure which may have followed acute myocardial damage.

• Case 6: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates elevations of LD4 and LD5. These increases would be compatible with hepatic (cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis) or skeletal muscle injury. This pattern may also be associated with congestive heart failure.

• Case 7: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates elevations of LD2, LD3, and LD4. Increases of these isoenzymes fractions are nonspecific but have been associated with septic shock, pulmonary emboli, and some neoplastic processes.

• Case 8: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates elevations of all isoenzymes without dominating fractions. This pattern is nonspecific but has been associated with septic shock, pulmonary emboli, and some neoplastic processes.

• Case 9: The LD isoenzyme pattern appears normal despite elevation of the total LD. The LD total is significantly elevated, and there is no increase in the relative percentage of any fraction. The LD isoenzyme pattern is an "isomorphic pattern." This pattern may be seen with neoplasia, cardiorespiratory diseases, hypothyroidism, infectious mononucleosis, and other inflammatory states, uremia, and necrosis.

• Case 10: The LD isoenzyme pattern appears normal with a normal total LD.

• Case 11: The LD isoenzyme pattern demonstrates an elevated LD5 fraction which may be associated with hepatic anoxia due to congestive heart failure or the early stages of muscular dystrophy.

• Case 12: The LD isoenzyme pattern is nonspecific. Recommend correlation with the clinical condition of the patient.

Footnotes

1. Rotenberg Z, Davidson E, Weinberger I, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. The efficiency of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme determination for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1988; 112(9):895-897. 3415440
2. Loughlin JF, Krijnen PM, Jablonsky G, Leung FY, Henderson AR. Diagnostic efficiency of four lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 ratios in serum after myocardial infarction. Clin Chem. 1988 Oct; 34(2):1960-1965. 3168204
3. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Sagie A, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in serum during unstable angina. Clin Chem. 1986 Aug; 32(8):1566-1567. 3731454
4. Jablonsky G, Leung FY, Henderson AR. Changes in the ratio of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes 1 and 2 during the first day after acute myocardial infarction. Clin Chem. 1985 Oct; 31(10):1621-1624. 4042327
5. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Sagie A, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in serum during recent acute myocardial infarction. Clin Chem. 1987 Aug; 33(8):1419-1420. 3608159
6. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Davidson E, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. Atypical patterns of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in acute myocardial infarction. Clin Chem. 1988 Jun, 34(6):1096-1098. 3378325
7. Jacobs DS, Robinson RA, Clark GM, Tucker JM. Clinical significance of the isomorphic pattern of the isoenzymes of serum lactate dehydrogenase. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1977 Sep-Oct; 7(5):411-421. 900865
8. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Davidson E, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. Patterns of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in serum of patients with acute pulmonary edema. Clin Chem. 1988 Sep; 34(9):1882-1884. 3416439
9. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Davidson E, Fuchs J, Sperling O, Agmon J. Significance of isolated increases in total lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes in serum of patients with bacterial pneumonia. Clin Chem. 1988 Jul; 34(7):1503-1505. 3390929
10. Gorus F, Aelbrecht W, Van Camp B. Circulating IgG-LD complex, dissociable by addition of NAD.+. Clin Chem. 1982 Jan; 28(1):236-239. 7055917
11. Pesce MA. The CK and LD macroenzymes. Lab Management. 1984 Nov 29; 22:29-41.
12. Podlasek SJ, Dufour DR, McPherson RA. Alterations in lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns after therapy with streptokinase or streptococcal infection. Clin Chem. 1989 Aug; 35(8):1763-1766. 2758647
13. Vladutiu AO. Cathodic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH 6): A sign of ominous prognosis? Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1983 Nov; 107(11):612-613. 6688723
14. Wolf PL. Lactate dehydrogenase-6: A biochemical sign of serious hepatic circulatory disturbance. Arch Intern Med. 1985 Aug; 145(8):1396-1397. 4026470
15. Von Eyben FE, Blaabjerg O, Petersen PH, et al. Serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1 as a marker of testicular germ cell tumor. J Urol. 1988 Nov; 140(5):986-990. 2845154
16. Schwartz PE, Morris JM. Serum lactic dehydrogenase: a tumor marker for dysgerminoma. Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Sep; 72(3 Pt 2):511-515. 3405571
17. Yoshimura T, Takemori K, Okazaki T, Suzuki A. Serum lactic dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes in patients with ovarian dysgerminoma. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1988 Dec; 27(3):459-465. 2904916
18. Rotenberg Z, Weinberger I, Sagie A, et al. Total lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes in serum of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Clin Chem. 1988 Apr; 34(4):668-670. 2834116
19. Manzo V, Sun T, Lien YY. Misdiagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1990 Sep-Oct; 20(5):324-328. 2256660
20. Galbraith LV, Leung FY, Jablonsky G, Henderson AR. Time-related changes in the diagnostic utility of total lactate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1, and two lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 ratios in serum after myocardial infarction. Clin Chem. 1990 Jul; 36(7):1317-1322. 2372944
21. Clark CP 3rd, Foreman ML, Peters GN, Cheek JH, Sparkman RS. Efficacy of preoperative liver function tests and ultrasound in detecting hepatic metastasis in carcinoma of the breast. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1988 Dec; 167(6):510-514. 3055370
22. Giannoulaki EE, Kalpaxis DL, Tentas C, Fessas P. Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme pattern in sera of patients with malignant diseases. Clin Chem. 1989 Mar; 35(3):396-399. 2920405

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 001115 LDH IU/L 14804-9
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 011866 (LD) Fraction 1 % 2536-1
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 011874 (LD) Fraction 2 % 2539-5
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 011882 (LD) Fraction 3 % 2542-9
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 011890 (LD) Fraction 4 % 2545-2
001842 LD Isoenzymes 42929-0 011908 (LD) Fraction 5 % 2548-6
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code001115
Result Code NameLDH
UofMIU/L
Result LOINC14804-9
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code011866
Result Code Name(LD) Fraction 1
UofM%
Result LOINC2536-1
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code011874
Result Code Name(LD) Fraction 2
UofM%
Result LOINC2539-5
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code011882
Result Code Name(LD) Fraction 3
UofM%
Result LOINC2542-9
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code011890
Result Code Name(LD) Fraction 4
UofM%
Result LOINC2545-2
Order Code001842
Order Code NameLD Isoenzymes
Order Loinc42929-0
Result Code011908
Result Code Name(LD) Fraction 5
UofM%
Result LOINC2548-6