Comparison of lactate dehydrogenase levels in ovarian cancer ascites caused by ascites Nonmaligna (Preliminary Report)

Objective: To prove the efficacy of LDH level measurement in order to differentiate between malignant and non malignant ascites.Setting: RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta.Material and method: Cross sectional analysis by comparing LDH level in ascites of ovarian cancer with LDH level in non malignant ascites. Ascites sample collected from ovarian cancer patient and non cancer patient by paracentesis or aspiration during operation about 10 cc and measured the LDH level by enzymatic method.Results: LDH level from 17 ovarian cancer patient (8 cases stage IA, 3 cases stage UB, 1 case stage IC, and 5 cases stage IIIC; 82% from cases is adenocarcinoma, 12% is granulosa cell and 6% germ cell tumors), and 9 cases of non cancer patient (4 cases hepatic cirrhosis, 2 cases with heart failure, 1 case tuberculosis peritonitis and 2 cases benign ovarian tumor) with characteristic most age 30 - 50 years old. LDH level in ovarian cancer patients is significantly higher than non cancer (p<0.05). But there is no significant relationship between LDH level with ovarian cancer stage. In this research there is high level of LDH from germ cell tumour (dysgerminoma) (3998.0 U/L) compare with adenocarcinoma (1640.1 U/L) and granulosa cell (269.0 U/L). But because there is insufficient cases of germ cell and granulosa cell in this research, the analytical study is not done. There is no correlation between LDH level with Gatot Purwoto malignant scoring system.Conclusion: The LDH level in ovarian cancer is significantly higher than non malignant ascites,but there is no significant relationship between LDH level in ascites and stage of cancer. The LDH level in ascites is very high from germ cell type, but not proven statistically.Keywords: lactat dehydrogenase, ascites, ovarium cancer