Answer to Question #6902 in Organic Chemistry for shelly

Question

Discuss the manner in which the isoenzymes of LDH can be used as diagnostic tools.

Answer 1

Currently, the main use for LDH is as a general indicator of the existence and severity of acute or chronic tissue damage and, sometimes, as a monitor of progressive conditions such as some cancers, kidney disease, and liver disease. It used to be ordered to help diagnose and monitor a heart attack, but the troponin test has largely replaced LDH in this role. LDH isoenzymes may be used in differential diagnosis to help determine which organs are likely to be involved.