Rhabdomyolysis Overview
Learn About Rhabdomyolysis
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.
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 any other condition that damages skeletal muscle.
Problems that may lead to this disease include:
- Trauma or crush injuries
- Use of drugs or medicines such as cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP
- Genetic muscle diseases
- Extremes of body temperature
- Ischemia or death of muscle tissue
- Low phosphate levels
- Seizures or muscle tremors
- Severe exertion, such as marathon running or calisthenics
- Lengthy surgical procedures
- Severe dehydration
Symptoms may include:
- Dark, red, or cola-colored urine
- Decreased urine output
- General weakness
- Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)
- Muscle tenderness
- Weakness of the affected muscles
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Seizures
- Weight gain (unintentional)
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 health care provider may prescribe medicines including diuretics and bicarbonate (if there is enough urine output).
Hyperkalemia and low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) should be treated right away. Kidney failure should also be treated.
Supakanya Wongrakpanich is an Internal Medicine provider in Loma Linda, California. Dr. Wongrakpanich and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyolysis. Her top areas of expertise are Rhabdomyolysis, Sepsis, Folate Deficiency, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.
Lasalle Medical Associates
Nooshin Salehi is an Internal Medicine provider in San Bernardino, California. Dr. Salehi and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyolysis. Her top areas of expertise are Apoplexy, Pituitary Apoplexy, Miller-Fisher Syndrome, and Rhabdomyolysis.
Tu Hoang is an Internal Medicine provider in San Bernardino, California. Dr. Hoang and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyolysis. His top areas of expertise are Renovascular Hypertension, Atypical Pneumonia, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.
The outcome depends on the amount of kidney damage. Acute kidney failure occurs in many people. Getting treated soon after rhabdomyolysis will reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage.
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.
Complications may include:
- Acute tubular necrosis
- Acute renal failure
- Harmful chemical imbalances in the blood
- Shock (low blood pressure)
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis can be avoided by:
- Avoiding drugs or medicines that may cause rhabdomyolysis.
- Drinking plenty of fluids after strenuous exercise.
- Removing extra clothes and immersing the body in cold water in case of heat stroke.
Summary: Registry intended to provide a data repository and reporting infrastructure for the surveillance of CytoSorb device use in real-world critical care settings, and to serve as an objective, comprehensive, and scientifically-based resource to measure and improve the quality of patient care
Summary: This study protocol aims to prevent the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with rhabdomyolysis secondary to heatstroke. It is based on previous studies showing that bicarbonate infusion reduces renal failure in similar contexts. The intervention will be conducted at the General Hospital of Mexicali during the summer, targeting the prevention of renal failure and reducing the necessity ...
Published Date: August 28, 2023
Published By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Long B, Koyfman A. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 116.
O'Connor FG, Deuster PA. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 99.
Paine CH, Jefferson JA, Velez JCQ. Pathophysiology and etiology of acute kidney injury. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 70.