[Creatine kinase test in frostbite]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Frostbite poses a significant clinical challenge, requiring accurate assessment for appropriate management.
• Blood serum creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released during tissue damage.

Observation:

• Serum CK activity was measured in 37 frostbite patients and healthy controls.
• Dynamic changes in serum CK were monitored during the first week after frostbite injury.

Findings:

• Distinct patterns of serum creatine kinase activity were observed in patients with varying degrees of frostbite.
• The dynamic changes in serum CK levels during the initial week correlate with frostbite depth.

Implications:

• Serum CK activity monitoring offers a potential biomarker for differentiating superficial from deep frostbite.
• This finding may aid in early and accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment strategies for frostbite injuries.