LDH levels and myelofibrosis

[Cja1956]

So I have MF and my doctor is very pleased that my hemoglobin is stable at 10,9 for the last 6 weeks and my platelets are holding between 450 and 600. However, on Friday I went for my regular visit for lab work and my LDH shot up to almost 900, which it is very high for me. I’ve tried to find information about it. Does anyone know how significant LDH results are to the progression of MF?

[JediReject]

Hi Cindy, , bit of a poser , , not you or me just your question 😉. . One expects an LDH level to be higher than normal with MF due to cell proliferation and immature cells etc (I think!!) , , but this jump seems abnormally high and out of keeping for your norm. Did your Hem remark or express concern over it ?

If I were you I would have it re-tested and if you get the same or similar result it might be worth further investigation. Then again 900 may not be OTT for your MF now but it seems a tad high.

Chris x

[Cja1956 in reply to JediReject]

Thanks, Chris,

I’m supposed to get tested again in a month. I just got the results yesterday and it was a bit of a shock because I seem to be doing so well, otherwise. Maybe I’ll email my doctor and see what she says.

Thanks again for your input. It’s much appreciated.

Hope you are doing well.

Cindy

[socrates_8]

Hey Cindy...

As Chris has mentioned it is a tad tougher to answer a question such as this because usually these LDH Tests are performed as part of our standard Full Blood Counts (FBC), well it least it is in my usual blood test...

LDH, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test looks for signs of damage to the body’s tissues. LDH is an enzyme found in almost every cell of your body, including your blood, muscles, brain, kidneys, and pancreas.

The enzyme turns sugar into energy. The LDH test measures the amount of LDH in your blood or other body fluid. LDH tests are usually done to check things like:

* To measure whether you have tissue damage and, if so, how much

* To monitor severe infections or conditions like hemolytic or megaloblastic anemias, kidney disease, and liver disease

* To help evaluate certain cancers or your cancer treatment & whether or not those treatments are working well etc...

Your doctor would usually tell you if they are concerned but DO ask them about it in any case...

Best wishes

Steve

[Cja1956 in reply to socrates_8]

Thanks so much, Steve.

My old hematologist never tested my LDH levels I’d never even heard of it until I switched in September to my mpn specialist. It was about 700 when I started with her and last month they were down to about 350. So when my new results came back close to 900 yesterday, I got concerned. I’ll definitely mention it to her.

Thanks so much for your input. You’re a wealth of information.

Hope you are doing well.

Cindy