Transaminases increase: A manifestation of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy Aumento de transaminasas: Una manifestación de distrofia muscular de Duchenne

Abstract

Commonly used in clinical practice, glutamic oxalacetic (GOT) and glutamic piruvic (GPT) transaminases are produced in various body tissues, including striated muscle, so their blood elevation is not due exclusively to liver disease. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the correlation between elevated creatinkinase (CK) and transaminases in patients with diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most frequent neuromuscular disease in children. Patients and Method: Assessment in 61 children with diagnosis of DMD of CK, AST and ALT levels, and their correlation. Results: All patients had increase of CK (x̄ = 13.363 IU/L), AST (x̄ = 203 IU/L) and ALT (x̄ = 194 IU/L) above normal values. The increase of transaminases related directly with the increase of CK. Conclusion: Patients with DMD have increased transaminases, so it is necessary to include this diagnostic possibility in a child with hypertransaminemia, prior to performing liver biopsy.