Creatine kinase | Laboratory research

Creatine kinase (CK) Or creatine phosphokinase (CRK) is an enzyme that is actively involved in the energy processes of the cell.

Creatine kinase is found in high concentrations in the myocardium and skeletal muscle and in much lower concentrations in the brain. CK has a dimeric structure and is presented in 4 forms: mitochondrial isoenzyme and 3 fractions of cytosolic isoenzymes: CK-MM (muscular), CK-MB (myocardial), CK-BB (cerebral).

In healthy people, total creatine kinase levels are almost entirely represented by the isoenzyme MM (muscle creatine kinase).

When should we take a test for creatinine kinase?

Determination of creatinine kinase is recommended in all cases of muscle tissue breakdown. Of particular importance is the MB fraction, which is strictly specific to the heart muscle and is positive for all types of heart damage.

The most common cases when research is conducted are:

• Muscular dystrophies;
• Myocardial infarction;
• Trauma;
• Intoxication;
• Malignant hyperthermia.

How to prepare for the test?

It is preferable to do the test on an empty stomach.

Prior to the test, the patient should avoid strenuous physical activity.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Creatine kinase concentration increases:

• Acute myocardial infarction (4-6 hours after onset);
• Severe myocarditis;
• After open heart surgery and electrical defibrillation;
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy, polymyositis / dermatomyositis, muscle trauma;
• Rhabdomyolysis during cocaine poisoning;
• Myalgia-eosinophilia syndrome;
• Malignant hyperthermia;
• Convulsions;
• Ischemia;
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage;
• Ray Syndrome.

Decreased creatine kinase concentration:

It usually reflects a decrease in muscle mass associated with metastatic tumors, corticosteroid therapy, alcoholic liver disease, and collagenosis.

Resources

https://www.synevo.bg/kreatinkinaza/
https://www.synevo.ro/shop/creatinkinaza-ck/