The LDH Tracker Tool
Understanding LDH
Knowing your level of LDH or lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme found in red blood cells, is critical to managing your PNH because your LDH lab value is tied directly to the degree of hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) in your body. Other lab values can also help you and your doctor manage the signs and symptoms of PNH, but do not measure hemolysis, the underlying cause of your signs and symptoms.
By measuring your LDH, your physician can determine the degree of hemolysis in your body. Knowing your beginning LDH and monitoring it over time will help you and your doctor keep better track of the progression of your PNH. It can also be used to help assess the risk for developing serious complications associated with PNH. Your LDH level can change from time to time. Remember, it can increase if you have an infection or if you are under stress.
How the LDH Tracker works
- At the very top of the grid, you will find a row labeled “Date.” Write in the date your blood was tested in the first empty box found in this row.
- The bottom row provides space for you to record your laboratory values. Write in your laboratory result in this row, making sure that it corresponds to the date in the top row.
- Find the number in the column on the far left that most closely matches your laboratory value. Record an “X” in the box next to that number. This should be in the same column where you recorded the date and laboratory value.
- Continue to record your results in order in the columns to the right of your first entry on the grid.
