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Research Paper | Paediatrics | Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026 | Pages: 1475 - 1480 | India
Umbilical Cord Blood LDH and Delta (Δ) PH as Predictors of Perinatal Outcome in High-Risk Pregnancies
Abstract: Objectives: High-risk pregnancies are associated with increased risk of fetal hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Umbilical cord blood analysis provides an objective assessment of fetal metabolic status at birth. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and delta pH (ΔpH) have emerged as potential predictors of neonatal compromise. The study was conducted to evaluate the association of umbilical cord blood LDH and ΔpH with immediate neonatal outcomes in term high-risk pregnancies. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over two years in the Department of Paediatrics at tertiary care teaching hospital. Sixty term neonates born to high-risk mothers were included. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery for estimation of LDH and pH. ΔpH was calculated as the difference between umbilical venous and arterial pH. Neonates were assessed using Apgar scores and monitored for resuscitation requirement, oxygen therapy, NICU admission, delayed feeding, convulsions, and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Results: The mean cord blood LDH was 565 ± 339 U/L and mean ΔpH was 0.08 ± 0.04. Neonates with high ΔpH (>0.08) had significantly lower umbilical arterial pH and higher LDH levels (964 ± 213 U/L vs 333 ± 84 U/L; p<0.001). Low Apgar scores, oxygen requirement, NICU admission, and HIE were significantly more common in the high ΔpH group (p<0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between ΔpH and LDH (r=+0.805). Conclusion: Umbilical cord blood LDH and ΔpH are simple and reliable predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies and may help in early neonatal risk stratification.
Keywords: Cord blood, LDH, Delta pH, Perinatal outcome, High-risk pregnancy, Neonatal morbidity
How to Cite?: Dr. Veeresh, Dr. Aswathy Rajan Shriyan, "Umbilical Cord Blood LDH and Delta (Δ) PH as Predictors of Perinatal Outcome in High-Risk Pregnancies", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1475-1480, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26814040716, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26814040716