The elevation of creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels are markers of a low flow state and poor tissue perfusion after cardiac surgery

Background

In skeletal muscle, adenosine triphosphate stores decrease during the first 3 h of ischemia. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation during the postoperative period after cardiac surgery and measured skeletal muscle enzyme levels and markers of muscle damage and inflammation. The aim was to determine whether these values change and, if so, whether these changes coincide with the presence of low flow and poor perfusion.

Methods

We included a cohort of 280 nonconsecutive adults who were monitored in the postoperative period following cardiac surgery. We measured hemodynamic indices repeatedly in the first 24 h postoperatively, and we identified differences between the levels of skeletal muscle enzymes and muscle damage markers on admission (0 h) and 12 and 24 h postoperatively.

Results

A clinically and statistically significant elevation of creatine kinase (CK) level was observed at 12 h postoperatively in patients with low macrocirculatory flow and anaerobic metabolism. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was significantly elevated in these patients at 24 h.

Conclusions

In the first 24 h after cardiac surgery, a state of low macrocirculatory flow and the consequent deficit in flow at the capillary–cell interface in the presence of anaerobic metabolism was associated with clinically and statistically significant elevations of CK level at 12 h and LDH level at 24 h. These changes may be markers of skeletal muscle ischemia and may provide an additional tool in the monitoring and resuscitation of these critically ill patients.