What is the normal serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) level?

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Last updated: February 8, 2025 • View editorial policy

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

From the Research

Normal Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Levels

  • The normal rate of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels is between 313-618 UI/L, as measured by spectrophotometry 1.
  • Another study mentions that normal-range LDH levels are between 105-333 IU/L 2.
  • A different study uses a stratification of >253 and ≤253 IU/l for serum LDH levels, according to the standard values used at their institution 3.

Factors Affecting LDH Levels

  • Physical activity can transiently induce a greater total LDH level, still within its normal range 4.
  • Strenuous and enduring physical activity can increase LDH levels, but these levels remain within the normal range 4.
  • High serum LDH levels are significantly associated with the presence of metastasis and histological grade in soft tissue sarcoma patients 3.

Prognostic Value of LDH Levels

  • LDH elevations superior to 10-fold the normal rate are a pejorative predictive criteria, with a mortality rate of over 50% 1.
  • High serum LDH levels predict a terminal stage in metastatic cancer patients, with a median overall survival of 1.7 months 5.
  • In patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma, high serum LDH levels are associated with worse disease-specific survival 3.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.