Elevated level of creatine phosphokinase in newborn: Clinical significance and association with congenital muscle diseases

OBJECTIVES: To establish the normal Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) range in newborns of all 3 modes of delivery and prove that high CPK level in neonates is not specific a indicator for muscular pathology. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that is conducted in King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital in Riyadh and included 504 term neonates who were born between March 2021 and August 2021. Two hundred and fifty three were males and 251 were females. Data and consents were managed and collected using 2 coordinators. RESULTS: Duration of the second stage of labor, age on the first CPK test and fetal gestational age were significantly correlated with CPK values (r=0.197, r=-0.234, r=0.274, respectively). The normal ranges for each delivery type were 334 U/L-2667U/L in normal spontaneous vaginal delivery, 265U/L-1182U/L in elective cesarean section, and 223U/L-3082 U/L in emergency cesarean section. CONCLUSION: The CPK was elevated in all neonates in all 3 modes of deliveries. An elevated levels of CPK in neonates is not a specific indicator for any congenital muscular pathology.