Which laboratory finding is often elevated in dermatomyositis?

In dermatomyositis, a condition characterized by muscle inflammation and skin changes, there is often damage to the muscle tissue, leading to the release of muscle enzymes into the bloodstream. Among these enzymes, creatine kinase (CK) is particularly significant, as it is found in high concentrations in muscle tissue. When muscle damage occurs, CK levels rise and can be detected through blood tests.

An elevation in serum creatinine might indicate renal involvement or muscle breakdown, but it is not as specific to dermatomyositis as elevated CK. Elevated liver enzymes typically suggest hepatic dysfunction or injury, which is not a hallmark of dermatomyositis. A decreased leukocyte count is not associated with this condition and does not reflect the muscle pathology inherent to dermatomyositis. Therefore, the increase in CK serves as a key marker for muscle involvement in patients with this autoimmune condition.