Creatine kinase revisited.

Creatine kinase (CK) is the single most important biochemical test in the evaluation of patients with myopathies. In health, serum CK concentration is higher in men, blacks, muscular individuals, and athletes. Idiopathic hyperCKemia is an entity restricted to asymptomatic patients with a negative family history for a neuromuscular disease acid normal neurological, electrodiagnostic. and histologic examinations. Serum CK concentration in myopathy correlates with seventy of illness, course of disease, available muscle mass, and myofiber necrosis. CK may be elevated in neurogenic disorders, particularly in Kennedy's disease and type III spinal muscular atrophy.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome in the Middle East from imported blood.

In Saudi Arabia, a native patient with no known risk factors for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed both clinical and laboratory evidence of AIDS 2 years after receiving transfusion of 11 units of blood obtained from a commercial distributor in the United States. This case suggests that a history of transfusions of blood components imported from areas where AIDS is prevalent should be elicited from patients in the Middle East with symptoms and physical findings suggesting AIDS.