Sources of error in the biochemical diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

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Abstract
The effects of rest and exertion on the serum enzymes aldolase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were studied in relationship to the diagnosis of primary muscle disease. In the Duchenne-type of dystrophy the aldolase and SGOT activities varied together in proportion to the remaining muscle mass. This represents an efflux by exercise of enzymes accumulated at rest. Aldolase is the most sensitive index with SGOT and SCPT following in order of relative sensitivity. It has been demonstrated that serum aldolase activity is a sensitive index of dystrophy while transaminase activity is an index of accompanying muscle destruction. Caution should be used in correlating the results of enzyme assays in relatives. Small elevations may occur in health while large elevations may be indicative of disease processes, especially with accompanying clinical evidence.