Port Moresby Medical Laboratories (POMMEDLAB)

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Question 1. What is CK?

 

CK stands for creatine kinase. CK is an enzyme or protein predominantly inside  high energy utilising organs as muscles (skeletal, smooth muscle and heart) and brain . It helps produce muscle energy reservoir protein called phosphocreatine for rapid re-generation of energy (ATP) when required. CK is released in massive amounts following muscle injury during accident or necrosis as in heart attack. Various forms called iso-enzymes are available in different tissues. Prior to recent availability of more specific heart marker or Troponin, one of these iso-enzyme called CKMB were once used to help diagnose heart attack. With availability of Troponin as a sensitive and specific heart attack marker, CKMB measurement is now obsolete and only used rarely for diagnosis of heart attack.

 

 

Total CK is the main enzyme used nowadays to help diagnose skeletal muscle injury or disease. Massive amounts of CK is released into circulation following damage to muscles. This can then be measured and used to diagnose skeletal muscle disease.

 

Question 2. When is it ordered?

 

CK is measured to diagnose muscle disease or damage. These may include rhabdomyolysis (snake bite), inherited muscle disorders (dystrophy/ myopathy) and heart attack. Although less specific than Troponin, it can assist diagnosis or confirm heart attack or monitor re-perfusion or effectiveness of clot removal following thrombolytic treatment especially with measurement of CKMB iso-enzyme.

Question 3. What does the test result mean?

 

Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report should include the specific reference range for your test. POMMEDLAB  strongly recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor.

 

Question 4. What is the symptom of muscle disease?

 

The following are symptoms or conditions in which CK measurement may assist doctor diagnose your problem.

                 Heart attack/chest pain

Muscle pain

Limb Muscle weakness

Limb Paralysis

Muscle cramps

Respiratory muscle or swallowing difficulty for unknown reason

Question 5. Is there anything else I should know?

 

Generally, a muscular person with more muscle bulk will have higher normal values than less muscular person.

 

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