Biochemical markers of muscle damage and high serum concentration of creatine kinase in patients on statin therapy

Abstract

Aim: Some patients experience statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and elevated serum concentrations of CK. The relationship between SAMS and biomarkers of muscle damage was examined. Methods: We analyzed 359 consecutive patients taking statins with high CK values. Muscle-related symptoms and biochemical variables, including CK, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), troponin and carbonic anhydrase type III were evaluated. Results: SAMS was reported by 181 (50.4%) patients and they had greater BMI (p = 0.021) and a trend toward higher CK-MB values (p = 0.064). The use of simvastatin (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.47-3.42), CK-MB (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.02-2.49) and BMI (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) were independent variables for SAMS. Conclusion: Simvastatin use, BMI and CK-MB were independent markers of SAMS.

Keywords: CK; CK-MB; carbonic anhydrase III; myalgia; myopathy; myositis; statin.