Which enzyme is commonly elevated in cases of malignant hyperthermia?

Which enzyme is commonly elevated in cases of malignant hyperthermia?

• A. ALT
• B. CPK
• C. AST
• D. LDH

Answer: (B)

In cases of malignant hyperthermia, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is the enzyme that is commonly elevated. Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction typically triggered by certain anesthetic agents that lead to an excessive increase in calcium ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle. This hypermetabolic state results in increased muscle metabolism, muscle rigidity, and ultimately, the breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis). As muscles break down, CPK, which is released from damaged muscle tissue, rises significantly in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of CPK can be an important diagnostic marker for malignant hyperthermia, as they indicate muscle damage associated with the condition. While other enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), can also be elevated during various forms of muscle injury or disease, they are not as specific or indicative of malignant hyperthermia as CPK. This specificity makes CPK the enzyme of choice when assessing muscle damage related to this condition.

In cases of malignant hyperthermia, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is the enzyme that is commonly elevated. Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction typically triggered by certain anesthetic agents that lead to an excessive increase in calcium ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle. This hypermetabolic state results in increased muscle metabolism, muscle rigidity, and ultimately, the breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis).

As muscles break down, CPK, which is released from damaged muscle tissue, rises significantly in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of CPK can be an important diagnostic marker for malignant hyperthermia, as they indicate muscle damage associated with the condition.

While other enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), can also be elevated during various forms of muscle injury or disease, they are not as specific or indicative of malignant hyperthermia as CPK. This specificity makes CPK the enzyme of choice when assessing muscle damage related to this condition.