Elevated transaminases in the early diagnosis of Duchenne disease
https://doi.org/10.21508/1027-4065-2025-70-6-104-108
Abstract
The article outlines the diagnostic approach for one of the most severe forms of hereditary muscular dystrophies, a genetic neuromuscular disorder — Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cytolysis syndrome of extrahepatic origin and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels in biochemical blood tests may serve as initial diagnostic markers at preclinical or early clinical stages. The presented case highlights a lack of clinical vigilance among primary care physicians regarding this condition. Detection of neurological symptoms, comprehensive physical examination, and assessment of creatine phosphokinase levels in patients with isolated hypertransaminasemia can prevent costly and prolonged investigations for liver diseases and facilitate timely diagnosis of underlying neuromuscular disorders.
About the Authors
H. Y. BorzievaRussian Federation
125310, Moscow
123098, Moscow
E. N. Abramova
Russian Federation
125310, Moscow
A. A. Samkov
Russian Federation
125310, Moscow
T. K. Markina
Russian Federation
125310, Moscow
L. B. Kisteneva
Russian Federation
123098, Moscow
References
1. Keckarević M., Savić D., Culjković B, Zamurović N., Major T., Keckarević D., et al. Duchenne’s and Becker’s muscular dystrophy: analysis of phenotype-genotype correlation in 28 patients. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2002; 130(5–6): 154–158. DOI: 10.2298/sarh0206154k
2. Crisafulli S., Sultana J., Fontana A., Salvo F., Messina S., Trifirò G. Global epidemiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2020; 15(1): 141. DOI: 10.1186/s13023–020–01430–8
3. Veropalumbo C., Del Giudice E., Esposito G., Maddaluno S., Ruggiero L., Vajro P. Aminotransferases and muscular diseases: a disregarded lesson. Case reports and review of the literature. J Paediatr Child Health. 2012; 48(10): 886–890. DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01730.x
4. Kansu A., Kuloglu Z., Tümgör G., Taşkın D.G., Dalgıç B., Çaltepe G., et al; VICTORIA Study Group. The frequency of Duchenne muscular dystrophy/Becker muscular dystrophy and Pompe disease in children with isolated transaminase elevation: results from the observational VICTORIA study. Front Pediatr. 2023; 11: 1272177. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1272177
5. Ryder S., Leadley R.M., Armstrong N., Westwood M., de Kock S., Butt T., et al. The burden, epidemiology, costs and treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an evidence review. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2017; 12(1): 79. DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0631-3.
6. Giboney P.T. Mildly elevated liver transaminase levels in the asymptomatic patient. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(6): 1105–1110
7. Limdi J.K., Hyde G.M. Evaluation of abnormal liver function tests. Postgrad Med J. 2003; 79(932): 307–312. DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2015-133715
8. Oh R.C., Hustead T.R., Ali S.M., Pantsari M.W. Mildly elevated liver transaminase levels: causes and evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2017; 96(11): 709–715. PMID: 29431403
9. Vajro P., Del Giudice E., Veropalumbo C. Muscular dystrophy revealed by incidentally discovered elevated aminotransferase levels. J Pediatr. 2010; 156(4): 689. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.11.047
10. Aasen T., Achdjian H., Usta Y., Nanda R. Dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy identified through laboratory testing for elevated aminotransferases. ACG Case Rep J. 2016; 3(2): 127–129. DOI: 10.14309/crj.2016.22
11. Wright M.A., Yang M.L., Parsons J.A., Westfall J.M., Yee A.S. Consider muscle disease in children with elevated transaminase. J Am Board Fam Med. 2012; 25(4): 536–540. DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2012.04.110183
12. McMillan H.J., Gregas M., Darras B.T., Kang P.B. Serum transaminase levels in boys with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Pediatrics. 2011; 127(1): 132–136. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0929
13. Rohlenová M., Machová K., Baranová J., Mokrá L., Mensová L., Mazanec R., et al. Serum Creatine Kinase and Transaminase Levels in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies Muscle Nerve. 2025; 72(2): 240–249. DOI: 10.1002/mus.28431
Review
For citations:
Borzieva H.Y., Abramova E.N., Samkov A.A., Markina T.K., Kisteneva L.B. Elevated transaminases in the early diagnosis of Duchenne disease. Rossiyskiy Vestnik Perinatologii i Pediatrii (Russian Bulletin of Perinatology and Pediatrics). 2025;70(6):104-108. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21508/1027-4065-2025-70-6-104-108
JATS XML




































