Elevated LDH??

[cbuysse]

I wonder if you guys could help to allay some fears I have since hanging up with my Urologist. He called to tell me my LDH was 295 and he wants me to come in for additional testing. Can you who are in the know on this shed some light as to the implications and possibilities of this result. Thanks!

[Margaret]

I am sorry about this stress...my first question would be did he test your AFP and HCG also?

Hang in there....thinking of you.

[cbuysse]

AFP and HCg were fine real low like less than 1.

[Fed]

LDH is a non-specific tumor marker in that, unlike beta-HCG and AFP, is also produced by normal cells (particularly hepatocytes). An LDH level of 290 is on the high end of the normal range, so that's why it probably raised a flag. A high LDH level does not mean much unless it is used in conjunction with other tests, namely radiology. Did you just have your most recent check-up?

[Margaret]

Fed knows so much more than me but I did read that Strenuous exercise can cause temporary elevations in LDH. Less likely but still interesting to note: Hemolysis of blood can cause false positives (“Hemolysis of blood” refers to breakage of red blood cells in the blood sample which may be due to rough handling, temperature extremes, or trouble collecting the blood sample (a “difficult draw”)). So maybe a re-test just to be sure.

I am sure this does not help a whole lot, but let us know what the doc says and I am pulling for you.

M

[cbuysse]

Yeah Fed it was my every 3 months blood work appt. He said normal for this lab was 200 or less and I was at 295. He said he wants to do and don't qoute me on this a " fragmented LDH panel" he said that will tell him where in the body the increase came from ie heart, liver etc.

[Margaret]

Yeah Fed it was my every 3 months blood work appt. He said normal for this lab was 200 or less and I was at 295. He said he wants to do and don't qoute me on this a " fragmented LDH panel" he said that will tell him where in the body the increase came from ie heart, liver etc.

cbuysse...Just knowing your AFP and HGC is normal/low is a great sign...I am really hoping your panel comes back okay.

I wanted to let you know I am in Apex, NC...only a few hours from you...Boyce and I are teaming up with the Durham Bulls to do a LiveStrong day on the Aug 19th. It will be a really cool/fun event and their jerseys will be dyed livestrong yellow and we will have an auction during the game. Since you are with in driving distance, I wanted to tell you about it.

[cbuysse]

That sounds awesome I would love to come and be a part of it. PM me more information or just email it to me. Thanks!