Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. These substances are harmful to the kidney and often cause kidney damage.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.
Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by injury or other any condition that damages skeletal muscle.
Problems that may lead to this disease include:
- Trauma or crush injuries
- Use of drugs such as
cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP
- Genetic muscle diseases
- Extremes of body temperature
- Ischemia or death of muscle tissue
- Low phosphate levels
Seizuresor muscle tremors
- Severe exertion, such as marathon running or calisthenics
- Lengthy surgical procedures
- Severe dehydration
- Dark, red, or cola-colored urine
- Decreased urine output
- General weakness
- Muscle stiffness or aching (
- Muscle tenderness
Weaknessof the affected muscles
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
Fatigue Joint pain Seizures Weight gain (unintentional)
Signs and tests
A physical exam will show tender or damaged skeletal muscles.
The following tests may be done:
Creatine kinase(CK) level
Serum potassium Urinalysis Urine myoglobintest
This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:
CK isoenzymes Serum creatinine Urine creatinine
You will need to get fluids containing bicarbonate to help prevent kidney damage. You may need to get fluids through a vein (IV). Some people may need kidney dialysis.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines including diuretics and bicarbonate (if there is enough urine output).
The outcome depends on the amount of
People with milder cases may return to their normal activities within a few weeks to a month. However, some people continue to have problems with fatigue and muscle pain.
Acute tubular necrosis Acute renal failure
- Harmful chemical imbalances in the blood
Shock(low blood pressure)
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.
Drink plenty of fluids after strenuous exercise. This will help to dilute your urine and flush any myoglobin that is released from your muscles out of your kidneys. Also drink a lot of fluids after any condition that may have damaged skeletal muscle.