LDH Increase after first Obinutuzumab infusion

[Jujy]

Greetings, all -

My husband had his first Obinutuzumab Monday October 24 (100 mg) and Tuesday (900 mg). I noticed that his LDH went from 239 (before) to 568 (after). Is this normal or should we be concerned?

BTW, after what sounds like the "usual" drama 10 minutes in [he felt like he could not breathe and had intense stomach pain ... they stopped the infusion, added Pepcid and a steroid, restarted], both infusions went off remarkably smoothly (I know ... easy for ME to say).

Right now, he is a little light-headed, still feels bloated, but otherwise comfortable.

Thank you in advance.

[SofiaDeo]

It's possible the increased LDH is from dead/dying CLL cells. I wouldn't worry unless the docs say to worry. As long as everything is being eliminated properly, and everything else seems to be working OK and other organs are not unduly stressed, it is probably just due to temporary rise from killing the CLL cells.

[Gman2 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Hi Sophia, I understand that the LDH value is important yet it doesn't seem to pinpoint any particular issue for us with cll. My LDH values were within normal limits even though I felt terrible with cll coming out on my skin, my face was swollen and I had intense sciatic pain. Once I started tx the sciatic pain went away and my skin cleared and I began to feel much better. However, after 3 or 4 mo into the O and V protocol, my LDH increased and continues to remain high around 380. I began tx I think around the same time as you-the end of last Sept. My next appt is Nov 7 and I will find out my values then. During that time I also was diagnosed with a spot of squamous cell carcinoma which was removed. Could that have been the cause of the high LDH? Thanks, Gerry

[Big_Dee]

Hello Jujy

I would suggest you query your doctor. I can relate to increase in LDH when starting V&O treatment. My LDH was being watched closely because gauge used to determine RT. However, LDH went to 900+ after start of V&O, then down to 400+ in two weeks, finally down to 230+ last week. Blessings.

[lisakc1]

Hi Jujy! I believe that my husband's LDH is still on the low end (171) of the normal range, (he began treatment at 309) however, his medical team is not concerned at this point. He is halfway through this infusion cycle and will complete it the first week in January. He DID experience quite low blood oxygen rates and nausea at the first infusion which improved over the subsequent infusions. It sounds like he has an excellent medical team and I would trust their advice and knowledge. Everyone is different, I don't think there is a "usual" with this treatment, but you will both be surprised at how much better he feels as the treatment progresses. He is blessed to have you advocate for him!

Lisa