Total LDH and its isoenzymes in gynecological malignancies and other gynecological conditions.

Total LDH and its five Isoenzymes have been evaluated in 354 patients from a Gynecological Ward. These patients had uterine fibroids, benign ovarian tumors, tubo-ovarian abscesses (T.O.A.), endometrial cancers, cancers of the cervix and ovarian cancers. 90 patients had no gynecological disease and served as controls. A statistical analysis was performed comparing each group of patients with the control group. A significant elevation in total LDH and Iso-IV and a significant decrease in Iso-I was observed in patients with uterine fibroids. Patients with benign ovarian tumors had a significant elevation of total LDH. Patients with T.O.A., Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix and cancer of the ovary had a significant elevations of total LDH and Iso-V and a significant decrease in Iso-I. When the group of patients with endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix and cancer of the ovary were compared with each other, no differences could be found in total LDH and Isoenzyme values. We conclude that total LDH and Isoenzyme serum levels are not useful clinical indicators for the diagnosis and management of gynecological malignancies and particularly of ovarian cancer.