Estimation of Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in cerebrospinal fluid in different types of meningitis

Objective: Meningitis is life-threatening condition and examination of the Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may not give a precise diagnosis and prognosis of different types of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is still a very common problem especially in many developing countries. The aims of study are to estimate the importance and significance of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), protein and sugar in CSF of different types of meningitis. Methods: A total of 160 cases, aged between 1 month and 60 years, including patients with bacterial meningitis (n=50), pyogenic meningitis (n=46), viral meningitis (n=24) and a control group (n=40), were  analyzed on the basis of data from the initial clinical examinations. Results: Significant increase in LDH level (P<0.001) were observed in the test group when compared to the control group. The LDH activity was significantly elevated in the CSF and serum (p < 0.001) in cases of pyogenic (PM) as well as tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Bacterial meningitis is more common than non bacterial meningitis.  The enzymatic activity of LDH although significantly raised in PM compared to TBM but there was no cutoff level to differentiate them. The LDH level did rise quite significantly in pyogenic meningitis.