Lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio as a convenient parameter for predicting the severity of Behcet disease: a cross-sectional study

Background We investigated whether the ratio of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to albumin could be used as a diagnostic marker for Behcet's disease compared to the healthy population and as a marker to assess the severity and activity of the disease. Methods The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study. Patients aged 18-69 years presenting to the Behcet's disease Outpatient Clinic over a three-year period and healthy individuals with a similar age and gender distribution formed the two study groups. LDH and albumin levels, and the LDH/albumin ratio were compared between the groups. Results The study was conducted in 349 people, 160 patients with Behcet's disease and 189 healthy controls. The LDH/albumin ratio was significantly higher in the Behcet's group than in the control group. This ratio was significantly different according to the severity of the disease, the presence of genital ulcers, papulopustular lesions and joint involvement (p < 0.05). Duration of symptoms was positively correlated with LDH/albumin ratio values (r = 0.259, p = 0.001). ROC analysis of the LDH/albumin ratio in the severe versus not severe groups based on Behcet's disease severity showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704 (95% CI: 0.586-0.821) and a cut-off value of 57.46, with a sensitivity of 57.7% and specificity of 72.4%. Conclusion The LDH/albumin ratio is a promising parameter in patients diagnosed with Behcet's disease compared to healthy controls, with a cut-off value of 57.46 for distinguishing severe from non-severe disease.