Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that occurs when a large amount of muscle is damaged. When muscle fibers break down, they release substances into the bloodstream. One of these is a protein called myoglobin. Myoglobin can
damage the kidneys. Other substances released by damaged muscles can cause chemical and fluid imbalance in the body. Because of the damage and imbalances, the kidneys stop working correctly. This can be dangerous, even
fatal. Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency.
Treatment is always done in the hospital.
Causes of Rhabdomyolysis?
Causes include:
Trauma (such as a car accident), especially crush
injuries
Extended overexertion of the muscles (such as
during marathon running)
Blockage of an artery or vein that leads to muscle death (such as deep vein thrombosis)
High-voltage electric shock (such as from lightning or power lines)
Seizures
Abuse of alcohol
Use of certain illegal drugs
Taking certain prescription drugs, such as statins Infection
Heat stroke
Metabolic imbalances
Polymyositis, an inflammatory condition
Severe burns
Certain genetic disorders
Warning Signs of Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your
doctor right away:
Dark, brownish or pinkish-red urine
Unusually stiff, achy, or tender muscles
Unusual muscle weakness
Other symptoms include fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and bruising.
As the condition worsens, other symptoms may occur. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room:
Swelling of the hands and feet
Trouble breathing
Abnormal heartbeat
Unexplained bleeding
Rhabdomyolysis Treatment
Treatment is done in the hospital. An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. IV fluids are then given to flush myoglobin and other
harmful substances from the blood. Medications may also be given to protect the kidneys. Other
medications are given to treat fluid and chemical imbalances and to help prevent complications.
You may also be given pain medications to control discomfort.
The hospital stay for rhabdomyolysis is several days or longer. During this time, you’re monitored to be sure no further problems develop. Your kidneys are checked for long-term damage. And
the underlying cause of the condition is
determined and treated if necessary.
Follow-Up
With early treatment, the kidneys often recover without long-term damage. In some cases, though, permanent kidney damage may have been done. If this is the case, your doctor will talk to you about any further treatment that is needed.
And you and your doctor can discuss treating any underlying medical cause of the condition.
