Changes in serum creatine kinase and other biological measurements associated with musculature in children recovering from kwashiorkor

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Abstract
1. Changes in serum creatine kinase activity, creatinine excretion, mid-upper arm and thigh muscle circumference and the ‘X-ray muscle shadow weight’ of the upper arm and thigh muscles have been compared in children recovering from kwashiorkor. 2. Creatine kinase activity rose as the health of the child improved but was subject to large fluctuations mainly associated with the Occurrence of infections. For this reason it is unlikely to be of value in assessing nutritional status on the basis of changes in musculature. 3. Creatinine excretion also increased with treatment and was more consistent. This measurement should be of much greater value than serum creatine kinase. 4. The anthropometric measurements were relatively insensitive to quite large changes in limb musculature. 5. Assessment of musculature by soft-tissue X-rays of the limbs appeared to be a sensitive method of potential value.