Serum creatine kinase activity in the elderly following a stroke

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neurology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Acute stroke is a significant health concern in the elderly population.
• Understanding biochemical markers post-stroke is crucial for patient management.
• Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in muscle and brain tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serial changes in serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and its isoenzymes following acute stroke in elderly patients.
• To determine the temporal profile of CK elevation and its correlation with stroke events.
• To assess the diagnostic utility of CK isoenzymes in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• Serial measurements of serum CK activity and its isoenzymes (MM, MB, BB) were performed.
• Patients included were elderly individuals who had experienced an acute stroke.
• Data collection spanned from stroke onset up to 84 hours post-stroke.

Main Results:

• Seven out of ten elderly patients exhibited elevated serum CK levels post-stroke.
• Peak CK concentration was observed between 12 to 24 hours after stroke onset.
• Elevated CK levels typically normalized within 84 hours.
• All patients showed positive skeletal (MM) isoenzyme; only one had detectable heart (MB) isoenzyme.
• No patients tested positive for brain (BB) isoenzyme.

Conclusions:

• Serum CK activity is frequently elevated following acute stroke in the elderly.
• The temporal pattern of CK elevation suggests a potential role in monitoring stroke impact.
• CK isoenzyme analysis indicates skeletal muscle as the primary source of elevation, not brain tissue.