What laboratory finding is indicative of hemolysis in HELLP syndrome?

In the context of HELLP syndrome, which is a severe form of preeclampsia characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level serves as a key laboratory finding indicative of hemolysis. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, and its elevation often reflects cellular damage or destruction.

In HELLP syndrome, the hemolysis of red blood cells leads to the release of LDH into the bloodstream, resulting in significantly elevated levels, typically above 600 IU/L. LDH levels can be particularly useful in diagnosing hemolysis because they provide a direct indication of red blood cell destruction, which is a critical component of this syndrome.

Other laboratory findings associated with HELLP syndrome, such as a low platelet count or elevated liver enzymes, are important for the overall diagnosis but are not direct indicators of hemolysis. For instance, while a platelet count lower than 150,000 indicates thrombocytopenia, and elevated AST/ALT levels show liver involvement, they do not specifically denote the hemolytic process. Similarly, elevated creatinine levels indicate renal impairment but are not linked to hemolytic activity.

Thus, the LDH level