Serum CK-BB isoenzyme in preterm infants with periventricular hemorrhage.

Periventricular hemorrhage in the preterm infant kills or injuries thousands annually. Because of the relatively recent emergencies of PVH as a major problem, the pathophysiology of this disorder is not yet known. This study was performed to examine the relationship between brain origin creatine kinase and the occurrence of PVH, both prior to the time of the hemorrhage and after. Twenty-six preterm infants were studied. Serum CK-BB levels were obtained at birth, if possible, and twice daily thereafter for four to seven days. The PVH was proven by either CT scan or autopsy. Infants with PVH had significantly higher average serum levels of CK-BB when compared to infants without, both immediately after birth and during the follow-up period.