Serum creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels as useful markers of perinatal asphyxia

Objectives To determine the usefulness of creatine kinase (CK) alone or in combination with lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in identifying, those infants at risk of developing hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) or a major handicap following perinatal asphyxia. Design Prospective observational study. Method CK and LDH in serum were measured in 35 asphyxiated infants and in 30 controls within 6 hours of delivery. The asphyxiated newborns were monitored for evidence of HIE. Both groups were followed up in paediatric outpatients clinic and a developmental assessment was done at the end of one year. Results Both the CK and LDH levels were significantly raised in all asphyxiated newborns. 25.7% of asphyxiated babies developed HIE. The CK and LDH values of those who developed HIE were significantly higher than the rest of the asphyxiated newborns. Five babies had developmental delay and their CK values too were significantly higher. The same relationship was not seen with their LDH values. Conclusion Both the CK and LDH values are raised in birth asphyxia. The increase is more marked among those who developed HIE. However, only the raised CK levels correlated with long-term outcome. Babies with CK values above 2860 IU/ L should be closely monitored for both the immediate and longterm sequelae. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2000; 29 : 49-52 (Key words: creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, markers of perinatal asphyxia) doi: 10.4038/sljch.v29i2.604