Serum Enzyme Tests for Megaloblastic Erythropoiesis in Anaemia in Pregnancy

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Abstract
Serum lactate dehydrogenase (S.L.D.) and a -hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (S.H.B.D.) activities were determined in 26 patients with severe anemia of pregnancy. Thirteen patients with megaloblastic erythropoiesis had elevated activities of both serum enzymes; and of eight patients with transitional marrow changes the S.L.D. was abnormal in 4 and the S.H.B.D. in seven. Early transitional megaloblastic erythropoiesis present in three patients was not associated with abnormal enzyme levels. S.H.B.D. activities were more sensitive to marrow changes than those of S.L.D., and are less likely to be elevated from other causes. The determination of S.L.D. or S.H.B.D. activities has potentialities as a simple screening test for megaloblastic erythropoiesis in pregnancy.