Differential Diagnosis for High CK in Breastfeeding Mother

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Muscle injury or strain: This is a common cause of elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, and breastfeeding mothers may experience muscle strain due to poor posture, lifting, or carrying their babies.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Exercise-induced muscle damage: Regular physical activity, especially if intense or new, can cause muscle damage and elevated CK levels.
  • Muscle cramps or spasms: Breastfeeding mothers may experience muscle cramps or spasms due to hormonal changes, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances.
  • Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause muscle weakness and elevated CK levels.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Rhabdomyolysis: A life-threatening condition characterized by rapid muscle breakdown, which can be caused by intense physical activity, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.
  • Myocardial infarction: Although less common in young breastfeeding mothers, myocardial infarction can cause elevated CK levels and is a medical emergency.
  • Neuromuscular disorders: Conditions like muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis can cause muscle weakness and elevated CK levels.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Pregnancy-associated myopathies: Rare conditions like pregnancy-associated myopathy or postpartum myopathy can cause muscle weakness and elevated CK levels.
  • Inflammatory myopathies: Conditions like polymyositis or dermatomyositis can cause muscle inflammation and elevated CK levels.
  • Genetic muscle disorders: Rare genetic conditions like McArdle disease or Pompe disease can cause muscle weakness and elevated CK levels.