Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase in neonatal intracranial hemorrhage.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured in 54 neonates with intracranial hemorrhage and compared with 82 control, 27 traumatic lumbar puncture, seven meningitis, and 30 asphyxiated newborns. Hospital data, neonatal outcomes, and long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up results were reviewed. CSF LDH was not significantly affected by traumatic lumbar puncture but was elevated in proportion to the severity of CNS hemorrhage as scored by computerized tomography. LDH was also significantly associated with subsequent seizures and hydrocephalus and abnormal long-term developmental outcome.