Serum and Urinary Myoglobin in Alcoholics

Abstract

The serum levels of myoglobin [Mb] were measured in 106 male alcoholics. Subnormal levels were found in 31% of the alcoholics with no alcohol consumption for the last 2-4 wk, while none of them had elevated levels. Of the alcoholics on ambulatory control and with varying current alcohol intake, 18% had increased levels compared to healthy controls. Serial Mb levels were determined in 19 patients following the cessation of heavy drinking sprees. Despite the fat that none of the patients had clinical evidence of acute myopathy, marked Mb elevations were noted in 5 patients; their serum levels gradually declined and normalized within 4-7 days. Comparing the 3 groups, similar frequencies of subnormal or elevated serum creatine kinase levels were observed. Mb levels were not raised due to impaired glomerular filtration rates. No correlation was found between serum Mb and laboratory signs of liver affection. Although hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia were occasionally noted, decreased serum electrolytes did not have any relation to elevated serum Mb. A transient, slightly increased urinary excretion of Mb parallel with increased excretion of .beta.2-microglobulin was observed in 2/17 alcoholics, suggesting that instances of myoglobinuria in alcoholics with heavy recent drinking may be due to a transient minor tubular dysfunction.