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Creatine Kinase & Kidney Disease

Creatine kinase (CK) is a type of protein that is linked to kidney disease. Irregular creatine kinase levels do not cause kidney disease, but may foreshadow the ailment and require additional medical attention. Consult with your doctor in order to have tests performed that check your blood's creatine kinase levels and make the proper diagnosis.

  1. Purpose of Creatine Kinase

    • The Creatine Journal identifies creatine kinase as a catalyst in your musculature and brain to release stores of energy. Specifically, CK consumes adenosine triphosphate to convert creatine into phosphocreatine and adenosine diphosphate. This process is reversible and transports energy throughout your body's muscle cells. CK is released into your bloodstream when muscles are damaged.

    Symptoms of Kindey Disease and Blood Tests

    • According to the Medical Education Institute, symptoms of kidney disease include changes in urine, extreme fatigue and nausea. You should alert your doctor to these issues before measuring creatine kinase levels through blood tests. Avoid strenuous physical activity prior to the blood test--it may distort the readings.

    Results

    • According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, elevated CK levels indicate that your body has undergone acute muscle damage or is subject to a chronic condition such as kidney disease. Muscle fatigue, swelling and skin rash symptoms are not caused by the creatine kinase, but high levels of CK is an indicator that the body is suffering from other diseases that may require further testing.

    Kidney Disease

    • Kidney disease, or renal failure, occurs when the body is unable to effectively emit waste through urine. The National Institute of Health indicates that kidney disease limits the body's ability to regulate glucose, blood pressure and hormonal levels.

    Prevention and Treatment

    • The National Kidney Foundation says that kidney disease can be prevented and managed by drinking large amounts of water and keeping your blood pressure at normal levels. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease that advances to kidney failure. The functions of the kidney must be replaced with dialysis or with a transplant at this point.

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