What Are the Normal Serum Creatine Kinase Values for Skeletal Muscle? A Worldwide Systematic Review

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftÜbersichtsartikel (Review)BeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Katina Aleksovska - , European Academy of Neurology (EAN) (Autor:in)
  • Theodoros Kyriakides - , University of Nicosia (Autor:in)
  • Corrado Angelini - , Università degli studi di Padova (Autor:in)
  • Zohar Argov - , Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Autor:in)
  • Kristl G. Claeys - , KU Leuven (Autor:in)
  • Marianne de Visser - , Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) (Autor:in)
  • Massimiliano Filosto - , University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia (Autor:in)
  • Ivanka Jovanovic - , National Organization of Persons with Disabilities of Serbia (NOOIS) (Autor:in)
  • Anna Kostera-Pruszczyk - , Medical University of Warsaw (Autor:in)
  • Maria Julia Molnar - , Semmelweis University (Autor:in)
  • Sabrina Sacconi - , Université Côte d'Azur (Autor:in)
  • Jochen Schaefer - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Autor:in)
  • Gabriele Siciliano - , University of Pisa (Autor:in)
  • Juan J. Vilchez - , University of Valencia (Autor:in)
  • Antonio Toscano - , Università degli Studi di Messina (Autor:in)
  • Benedikt Schoser - , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) (Autor:in)

Abstract

Background: Serum creatine kinase (CK) has been used as a diagnostic marker for neuromuscular disorders since 1959. As manufacturer-provided normative data indicate, CK levels can be elevated in normal individuals. Recent evidence suggests these data often underestimate true CK values, which are influenced by age, race, gender, and other physiological factors. Therefore, establishing a reliable normal range for CK is crucial before further investigation, particularly in oligo/asymptomatic patients. Objective: This systematic review aims to determine the normal CK levels across various populations. Methods: We systematically reviewed observational studies with a cross-sectional, descriptive design. We included studies focusing on healthy adults (> 18 years) of any race who aimed to establish normal CK values, including at least 100 participants. We utilized the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Results: CK values typically exhibit a non-Gaussian distribution. Black individuals demonstrate significantly higher CK values compared to Caucasians and Asians. The upper reference limits for CK in Caucasian and Asian males range from 227–440 U/L, while for Black males, it is between 520–810 U/L. The upper reference limits for females range from 135–248 U/L and up to 354 U/L, respectively. Conclusions: Normal CK values might be higher than previously suggested, especially among specific racial groups. Each laboratory should ideally determine its reference values for CK that reflect its local population.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummere70240
FachzeitschriftEuropean journal of neurology
Jahrgang32
Ausgabenummer6
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Juni 2025
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 105007876096
PubMed 40511619

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • creatine kinase, global, hyperCKemia, myopathy, neuromuscular, normal, systematic review