The value of lactic dehydrogenase as a predictor of early allograft survival.

Levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined in renal transplant recipients to assess their value as consistent predictors of acute allograft rejection. Although serum LDH levels of more than 250 U/l were in most cases associated with irreversible graft rejection, they were unreliable as a predictor or as an early indication of allograft rejection. Their chief value appears to be as an aid in determining when to discontinue high dose immunosuppression in an attempt to save an allograft that is most probably doomed to ultimate failure.