What is an expected finding in laboratory tests during an exacerbation of pancreatitis?

Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an expected finding in laboratory tests during an exacerbation of pancreatitis. LDH is an enzyme that is released during tissue damage, and its elevation can indicate cell damage or necrosis, which are common in conditions like pancreatitis where pancreatic tissue may become inflamed or necrotic.

In the context of pancreatitis, the elevation of LDH can be associated with the severity of the disease and may help in assessing the level of tissue damage the pancreas is experiencing during the exacerbation. It can also serve as a marker for the presence of complications associated with pancreatitis, such as pancreatitis-associated infections or the development of pancreatic necrosis.

Other laboratory findings you might see during an exacerbation of pancreatitis can include elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, which are more specific to the condition than LDH alone. Thus, understanding the role and implications of elevated LDH aids in the broader evaluation of a patient’s condition during a pancreatitis flare-up.