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The case of stainless statins
J H Barth1, A M Brownjohn, D R S Jamieson
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. julian.barth@leedsth.nhs.uk
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|September 25, 2003
Summary
Elevated creatine kinase in hypercholesterolemic patients on statins may indicate underlying glycogen storage diseases, such as McArdle's or Pompe's disease, even after statin cessation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a common condition often treated with statins.
- Statins can sometimes cause elevated creatine kinase levels.
- Distinguishing statin-induced myopathy from other causes is clinically important.
Observation:
- Two hypercholesterolemic patients exhibited elevated plasma creatine kinase during statin therapy.
- Creatine kinase levels remained high even after discontinuing statin treatment.
Findings:
- Further investigations revealed undiagnosed glycogen storage diseases as the cause of elevated creatine kinase.
- McArdle's disease and Pompe's disease were identified in the presented cases.
Implications:
- This highlights the importance of considering rare metabolic disorders in patients with persistent creatine kinase elevation.
- Early diagnosis of glycogen storage diseases is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.
- This case series underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic workups beyond statin-induced side effects.