Which lab test is typically elevated in cases of malignant hyperthermia?

In cases of malignant hyperthermia, the lab test that is typically elevated is creatine phosphokinase (CPK). This condition is a rare but serious reaction to certain anesthesia agents, particularly volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, leading to a hypermetabolic state in skeletal muscle.

When malignant hyperthermia occurs, there is a rapid increase in muscle metabolism, which results in excessive muscle contraction and an increase in intracellular calcium. This muscle damage leads to the leakage of CPK into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels. Monitoring CPK levels during an episode of malignant hyperthermia helps in diagnosing the condition and assessing the extent of muscle damage.

Other lab tests are less indicative of this specific condition. For instance, while elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) may be observed in various liver conditions or muscle damage, it is not specific to malignant hyperthermia. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels may rise due to dehydration or renal dysfunction, which are not direct indicators of malignant hyperthermia. Lastly, elevated serum calcium can occur as a result of muscle contraction but is not a direct test linked to the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia in the same way CPK is. Consequently, CPK stands out