Which biomarker is most indicative of rhabdomyolysis?

Which biomarker is most indicative of rhabdomyolysis?

• A. CK
• B. AST
• C. ALT
• D. Bilirubin

Answer: (A)

In rhabdomyolysis, rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle releases intracellular enzymes into the blood, and the marker that best reflects this muscle injury is creatine kinase. CK, especially the CK-MM form from skeletal muscle, rises very high with muscle damage and correlates with the extent of injury, making it more specific for rhabdomyolysis than other enzymes. Elevated AST and ALT can occur but aren’t as specific to muscle injury because they are also elevated with liver damage. Bilirubin is a liver-associated parameter and doesn’t indicate muscle breakdown. CK levels start to rise within hours of injury and peak within a day or two, helping clinicians diagnose rhabdomyolysis and monitor damage and treatment.

In rhabdomyolysis, rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle releases intracellular enzymes into the blood, and the marker that best reflects this muscle injury is creatine kinase. CK, especially the CK-MM form from skeletal muscle, rises very high with muscle damage and correlates with the extent of injury, making it more specific for rhabdomyolysis than other enzymes. Elevated AST and ALT can occur but aren’t as specific to muscle injury because they are also elevated with liver damage. Bilirubin is a liver-associated parameter and doesn’t indicate muscle breakdown. CK levels start to rise within hours of injury and peak within a day or two, helping clinicians diagnose rhabdomyolysis and monitor damage and treatment.