Useful For

Creatine kinase, also referred to as creatine phosphokinase, is a cellular enzyme with a wide tissue distribution. CK is found mainly in skeletal and cardiac muscle. CK’s physiological role is associated with ATP generation for contractile or transport systems. Serum CK is almost always increased following acute myocardial infarction or skeletal muscle damage. The enzyme is commonly elevated in myocarditis of any cause, cerebrovascular accidents, rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, and acute physical exertion. CK is also increased in the muscular dystrophies; in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, CK elevations of 20–200 times normal are common. Low CK may reflect decreased muscle mass or muscle wasting. Reference values for CK must consider the age, gender, and physical activity of the person. Low serum CK activities are common in the elderly, in the bedridden, and in patients with advanced malignancy.