Assessment for the value of serum lactic dehydrogenase in protein-energy malnutrition.

The present study was carried out in order to assess the value of serum LDH in cases suffering from PEM. In this respect, total serum LDH and its isoenzyme pattern in conjunction with serum GPT, GOT, CPK, and HBDH were assayed in cases suffering from PEM and compared with normal control group. The study revealed that increased activities of total serum LDH in PEM are neither of cardiac nor of hepatic origins. The activities and significance of other enzymes studied suggested that skeletal muscles are the main sources for these increased activities of serum LDH in PEM. The study offered a strong evidence for discrimination of liver cirrhosis in PEM.