Background: Megaloblastic anemia is a multisystem disorder, which can easily be diagnosed with high index of suspicion and by correct application of its pathogenetic mechanisms. The present investigation was carried out to assess the reliability of Serum lactate dehydrogenase determinations in the diagnosis of megaloblastic anaemia.

Materials & Methods: For the present study, the cases were selected from patients attended the OPD and admitted in AIMS, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Central India. Criteria for selection of the patients were those patients presenting with anemia. Careful history and physical examination was done to establish the underlying cause of anemia. LDH – UV Kinetic method was employed to the determination of lactate dehydrogenase in serum and plasma LDH Kit marketed by Reckon Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd.

Results: The incidence of megaloblastic anaemia in Indian adults was 24.8%. The maximum cases i.e. 33.87% were in 20-30 years of age followed by 22.58% in 30-40 years of age. Maximum number of cases 32 (91.43%) of the cases had serum LDH level of more than 1000 U/L. Range of serum LDH level was 448 U/L to 4358 U/L. Thus, there was 2 to 20 fold of highest reference value (240 U/L at 37 C) rise in serum LDH level in megaloblastic anemia. Maximum number of cases (51.43%) had serum LDH levels of 3000 to 4000 U/L and 22.86% had 4000 to 5000 U/L. 

Conclusion: Megaloblasatic anemia is not uncommon in Indian adults and serum LDH levels provide an important means of diagnosis. It is a non – invasive procedure, safe, and does not require any expertise.

Keywords: Megaloblasatic anemia, Hemoglobin, Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase.

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Dr Pankaj Gupta

Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Index Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Index City, Nemawar Road, NH-59A, Indore, MP-452016, India