PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA | LDH Improvements Lead to Better Outcomes in Fatigue and QoL
A recent study in the Annals of Hematology found that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels impact tiredness and quality of life in patients with a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
PNH is a rare anaemia known for causing blood cell destruction, which can be shown by LDH levels.
The study compared two drugs, eculizumab and ravulizumab, to see how they help PNH patients. Both drugs were found effective and safe. To better understand how these drugs improve fatigue and quality of life (QoL), the researchers studied PNH patients who had not used similar drugs before, examining the influence of these medications on patient-reported outcomes.
This research analyzed data from a large study with participants from 25 countries. They looked at 246 adults with a specific medical condition who had not received prior treatment. The patients were split into two groups and received different treatments. The researchers focused on factors such as enzyme levels, blood parameters, and related health issues.
They discovered that reducing certain enzyme levels was linked to improved fatigue and quality of life scores for the participants. This was true regardless of the treatment they received. By day 18, patients with lower enzyme levels experienced ongoing improvements in their health.
In summary, the study authors found that managing enzyme levels is crucial for improving patients’ fatigue and quality of life. They recommend focusing on treatments that can effectively control these enzymes, especially for those who haven’t received other treatments before.
Source: Hematology Advisor