Related Experiment Videos
Serum MB-creatine kinase is not elevated in active rheumatic carditis
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) is not a reliable indicator for assessing rheumatic carditis activity. Total creatine kinase (CK) levels can be elevated by intramuscular injections, not necessarily indicating cardiac issues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatic carditis can affect cardiac function and may alter serum enzyme levels.
- Creatine kinase (CK) and its MB fraction (CK-MB) are cardiac biomarkers, but their utility in rheumatic carditis requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of total serum creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB in patients with active rheumatic carditis.
- To investigate the influence of intramuscular injections and disease activity on CK and CK-MB levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum total CK and CK-MB activities were measured in 36 patients with active rheumatic carditis and 33 healthy controls.
- Subgroup analysis was performed on carditis patients who received intramuscular injections (IMI).
- Repeat assays were conducted on 10 carditis patients after rheumatic activity subsided.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in total CK or CK-MB were observed between carditis patients and controls.
- Patients with prior IMI showed significantly elevated total CK, but not CK-MB.
- Total CK levels in carditis patients decreased after remission, but not significantly, while CK-MB remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- CK-MB is not a valuable marker for assessing rheumatic carditis activity.
- Elevated total CK levels in clinical settings should consider potential confounding factors like IMI and bed rest.