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Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found in muscle tissue and the brain. There are three isoenzymes: CK-MM/Skeletal Muscle; CK-MB/Heart Muscle and CK-BB/Brain tissue
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🧪 Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK / CK) – Total
Test Name | CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase) – Total |
---|---|
Also Known As | Creatine Kinase (CK) Total, Total CPK |
Sample Type | Serum (blood) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required (but avoid intense activity before test) |
Normal Range | ~ 22–198 U/L (may vary by age, gender, lab method) |
Turnaround Time | 1 day (urgent if needed) |
Primary Use | Evaluate muscle injury, including heart, brain, and skeletal muscle |
🧬 What is CPK?
Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found in muscle tissue and the brain. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, especially in tissues with high energy demands.
There are three isoenzymes:
Isoenzyme | Found In | Associated With |
---|---|---|
CK-MM | Skeletal muscle | Muscle injury, strenuous exercise |
CK-MB | Heart muscle | Myocardial infarction (heart attack) |
CK-BB | Brain tissue, smooth muscle | Brain trauma, CNS disorders |
🔍 Why is the CPK Total Test Done?
Purpose | Use Case |
---|---|
Detect muscle damage | Due to trauma, exercise, seizures, injections, rhabdomyolysis |
Support diagnosis of heart attack | CK-MB fraction is more specific; Total CPK may rise in early phases |
Diagnose neuromuscular diseases | Like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myositis |
Evaluate seizures or stroke | CK-BB may rise in brain injury |
Monitor statin-induced myopathy | In patients on cholesterol-lowering drugs |
📈 CPK Level Interpretation
CPK Level | Possible Interpretation |
---|---|
🔻 Low/Normal | No significant muscle damage |
🔺 Mildly Elevated | Exercise, injections, or minor muscle strain |
🔺🔺 Moderately High | Myositis, trauma, statin-related myopathy |
🔺🔺🔺 Very High | Rhabdomyolysis, severe muscular dystrophy, massive trauma, seizures |
💡 Levels > 5,000–10,000 U/L often indicate rhabdomyolysis, a medical emergency.
⚠️ Conditions That May Affect CPK Levels
Elevated CPK May Occur In | Explanation |
---|---|
Heavy exercise | Especially untrained muscles |
Injections/intramuscular medications | Temporary spike in CK-MM |
Seizures or stroke | Brain involvement (CK-BB) |
Heart attack | CK-MB rises within total CK |
Muscle diseases | Dystrophies, polymyositis, etc. |
Medications (e.g., statins, antipsychotics) | Drug-induced myopathy |
🧪 Other Tests Often Ordered With Total CPK
Test | Purpose |
---|---|
CK-MB | Cardiac-specific isoenzyme |
Troponin I or T | Most specific for myocardial infarction |
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) | For broader tissue injury evaluation |
Aldolase | Supports diagnosis of muscle disorders |
Electrolytes (especially K+, Ca2+) | Monitor for imbalances from muscle breakdown |
Renal Function Tests | To check for kidney damage in rhabdomyolysis |
🧠 Summary Table
Marker | Total CPK / CK |
---|---|
Organ/System | Muscle (skeletal, heart, brain) |
Used For | Detecting general muscle damage, early cardiac injury |
Best Paired With | CK-MB, Troponin, LDH, renal tests, electrolytes |
Interpreted With | Clinical symptoms (pain, weakness, trauma, seizure) |
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