Association of aspartate aminotransferase in statin-induced rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The risk of rhabdomyolysis in the general population is elevated by the increased prevalence of statin use. As the presentation of rhabdomyolysis is varied, there is a risk of delayed diagnosis leading to patient complications and increased healthcare costs. Creatine kinase (CK) alone is not sufficiently predictive for risk stratification. Beyond serum CK, other biomarkers such as transaminases may be used as surrogates to evaluate rhabdomyolysis severity and predict complication risks. AIM To assess if other biomarkers are associated with peak CK and severity of rhabdomyolysis to aid in clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at an acute care hospital from 2008 to 2011. Inclusion criteria were: (1) patients diagnosed with statin-induced rhabdomyolysis; and (2) peak CK levels of ≥1000 IU/L. Patients with post-operational rhabdomyolysis, acute myocardial infarction and who had suffered from road traffic accidents were excluded. A total of 24,332 patients were screened, and 78 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. RESULTS Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was found to be positively associated with peak CK levels in the multivariable linear regression model after adjusting for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (P = 0.002; β = 83.18). Aspartate aminotransferase was found to be associated with severity of rhabdomyolysis in the multivariable logistics regression model after adjusting for ALT levels (P = 0.015; OR = 1.01). DISCUSSION Aspartate transferase is associated with raised peak CK levels and severity of rhabdomyolysis. Clinicians may consider ordering AST to aid in the clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

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From the Editor: Keeping on our toes

“…9 From Singapore, ruan, low and Kwan show that aspartate aminotransferase (aSt) is the strongest measure to use in diagnosing rhabdomyolisis, a condition increasing in incidence with increasing statin use. 10 We always welcome work from early career GPs. Our improving Performance paper reports an early career doctor's audit of the care of obese patients in her general practice placement.…”