Infection-associated decrease of serum creatine kinase levels in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND:Marked decreases in serum creatine kinase levels have been noted in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies as rare complications of autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:The influence of systemic inflammation on serum creatine kinase levels was reviewed from the charts of three subjects with Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy. RESULTS:A total of 30 infectious events were identified. Elevated serum C-reactive protein levels coincided with decreased creatine kinase levels on 19 occasions. In one subject, administration of 2 mg/kg/d prednisolone for bronchial asthma resulted in a decrease in creatine kinase level on six other occasions. CONCLUSION:Apart from an increase in endogenous cortisol secretion, certain inflammation-related molecules could play a role in mitigating muscle cell damage in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy during febrile infectious episodes. Corticosteroids may be a promising agent for the treatment of muscular symptoms in this disorder.