Rhabdomyolysis
(800) 889-9248
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition whereby damage to the muscles causes the muscle fibers to breakdown and release contents which are toxic to the kidneys. The kidneys are the organ responsible for filtering substances out of the urine and the blood. Rhabdomyolysis muscle damage causes a release of myoglobin and potassium into the bloodstream, which are then filtered through the kidney. Because these muscle substances are toxic to the kidneys, rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage, failure, heart attack and even death.
Approximately 26,000 people develop rhabdomyolysis each year in the United States. There are a number of risk factors that can increase a person's chance of developing rhabdomyolysis. Major physical exertion (i.e. marathon running) or physical injury that results in muscle trauma (such as a crush injury or burn) can cause rhabdomyolysis. Ischemia or necrosis of the muscles, caused by medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis and arterial occlusion, can also lead to rhabdomyolysis. Seizures, heat stroke, alcoholism, shaking chills, and low phosphate levels can also increase a person's risk of developing rhabdomyolysis.
There are also some medications that can cause rhabdomyolysis. Use or abuse of illicit drugs like heroine, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines is known to cause rhabdomyolysis. Prescription use of statins, drugs to lower high cholesterol, can also significantly increase a person's risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. Crestor, a drug touted as a super-statin, was listed by a top FDA official as one of the five most dangerous drugs available on the market because of its risk of causing rhabdomyolysis. ACE Inhibitors, CoA reductase inhibitors have also been associated with rhabdomyolysis.
Muscle symptoms, such as burning, discomfort, stiffness, aching, or weakness, may be caused by rhabdomyolysis. Abnormal colored urine (brown, red, dark) and overall weakness may also be symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis can also cause unintentional weight gain, seizures, joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
If a doctor suspects that a patient has rhabdomyolysis, based on the presence of any or all of these symptoms, the doctor can perform a number of medical tests to diagnosis rhabdomyolysis. A physical examination can evaluate weak or damaged muscles. A urine test can determine the presence of hemoglobin or myoglobin in the urine. Blood tests can also be done to diagnose rhabdomyolysis.
Early and appropriate medical treatment of rhabdomyolysis is often very successful. Hydration is crucial promptly following a rhabdomyolysis diagnosis, to flush the blood, and particularly the kidneys, of myoglobin. Diuretic drugs like mannitol of furosemide may be given to flush pigment out of the kidneys. Bicarbonate is another medication that can help to maintain the proper Ph of the urine and prevent the breakdown of myoglobin into toxic compounds.
Hyperkalemia, kidney failure, and other complications of rhabdomyolysis will also be treated as appropriate.
