muscle enzyme panel
A set of laboratory tests measuring enzymes released from damaged muscle tissue, used to assess inflammatory myopathy severity.
Full Definition
A muscle enzyme panel is a comprehensive laboratory assessment that measures various enzymes released into the bloodstream when muscle tissue is damaged or inflamed. In pediatric rheumatology, this panel typically includes creatine kinase (CK), aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). These enzymes are elevated in inflammatory myopathies such as juvenile dermatomyositis and polymyositis, and their levels often correlate with disease activity and treatment response. However, enzyme levels may be normal in some children with active muscle disease, particularly in those with predominant skin manifestations or chronic disease, making clinical assessment and sometimes muscle biopsy necessary for diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which enzymes are included; note that normal levels don't exclude myositis in children.
In Context
- "The muscle enzyme panel showed markedly elevated CK and aldolase levels consistent with active myositis." — Laboratory result interpretation
- "Despite normal muscle enzyme panel results, the patient's muscle biopsy revealed active inflammatory changes." — Diagnostic workup documentation