< b>Lactate dehydrogenase: (LDH) An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion
of lactate to pyruvate. This is an important step in energy production in cells.
Many different types of cells in the body contain this enzyme. Some of the organs
relatively rich in LDH are the heart, kidney, liver, and muscle.
As cells die, their LDH is released and finds its way into the blood. Normal
LDH levels vary with age, being higher in childhood due to bone growth. Analysis
of LDH has not been standardized and normal ranges vary greatly between laboratories.
Generally, the upper limit of normal for adults is in the range of 200 units/liter.
Nearly every type of cancer, as well as many other diseases, can cause LDH levels
to be elevated. Therefore, this marker cannot be used to diagnose a particular type
of cancer. LDH levels can be used to monitor treatment of some cancers, including
testicular cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and some types of leukemia.
Elevated LDH levels can be caused by a number of noncancerous conditions, including
heart failure, hypothyroidism, anemia, and lung or liver disease.
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
