Total creatine kinase activity in cerebrospinal fluid as an indicator of brain damage during open-heart surgery.

In a selected series of 33 patients undergoing open-heart surgery, the creatine kinase (CK) activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was compared with the clinical results in regard to the central nervous system. The level of CK activity in CSF showed correlation with the degree of irreversible neuronal damage. Determination of CK in CSF may thus be of prognostic value in these patients. Caution is essential, however, in the setting of strict limits above which return to normal or acceptable quality of life is not to be expected.