Do creatine kinase (CK) levels influence the diagnosis or outcome in patients with compartment syndrome?

Abstract

We report a retrospective study in patients with compartment syndrome with the aim to analyse: 1) whether the level of rise in CK levels is a useful marker to the presence of compartment syndrome and; 2) whether an early fasciotomy assists in lowering of the elevated CK levels. The results of our study suggest that although raised CK levels are not diagnostic, they are a useful adjunct in making a diagnosis, and hence CK estimation should be done in all patients with suspected compartment syndrome. Moreover, an early fasciotomy (< 12 hours) has a statistically significant influence in lowering elevated CK levels, confirming the view that the earlier the decompression, the lesser the muscle damage.

• Authors: U Ihedioha, S Sinha, A C Campbell
• Journal: Scottish medical journal (Scott Med J) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 158-9 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0036-9330 [Print] Scotland
• PMID: 16374979 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Creatine Kinase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Compartment Syndromes (diagnosis)
• Creatine Kinase (blood)
• Fasciotomy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome