What are the other Names for Rhabdomyolysis? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Dissolution of Skeletal Muscle
• Skeletal Muscle Dissolution

What is Rhabdomyolysis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle fibers, following their breakdown from muscle tissue, are released into the bloodstream
• The chances of contracting Rhabdomyolysis increases significantly in individuals using recreational drugs, and those undergoing physical trauma (such as due to an automobile accident)
• The most common indicator of this condition is decreased urine output, which is also tea-colored. Other signs and symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis may include fatigue, weak muscles, and seizures (in some cases)
• Rhabdomyolysis is generally diagnosed through a physical examination; complications, such as shock and kidney failure, could ensue, if Rhabdomyolysis is left untreated. The condition can be life-threatening in such circumstances
• The treatment is contingent upon the extent of kidney damage. It could include the use of diuretics, intravenous fluid therapy, and dialysis, if necessary
• Rhabdomyolysis has a poor prognosis, since the kidneys are invariably targeted. But, the condition may be prevented with proper rehydration after a trauma or physical strain that involves the muscles

Who gets Rhabdomyolysis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Rhabdomyolysis can occur at any age; however, it is not commonly seen in adults
• It can affect individuals of both genders (males and females)
• The condition is observed worldwide, and all racial groups and ethnicities are at risk

What are the Risk Factors for Rhabdomyolysis? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, the following risk factors for Rhabdomyolysis have been identified. These include:

• Trauma, such as an injury to the muscles; crush injury
• Dehydration
• Extreme exertion after exercise (such as during a marathon)
• Being untrained and over-exercising
• Genetic predisposition for muscle trauma (such as due to lactate dehydrogenase deficiency, phosphofructokinase deficiency, or carnitine deficiency)
• Conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis
• Exertion while suffering from conditions such as sickle cell anemia
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Hypothyroidism
• Heat stroke
• Inflammatory conditions such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis
• Drug abuse: The use of recreational drugs such as cocaine or heroin

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Rhabdomyolysis? (Etiology)

Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by an injury to the muscle, which could take place due to various causes.

• When a muscle gets injured, a series of events take place, leading to calcium ions being released into cells, causing spurious reactions inside the cells
• Ultimately, high amounts of potassium, uric acid, creatine kinase, and myoglobin get released into the blood stream
• The circulating myoglobin can reach the kidney and precipitate, leading to blockage of kidney tube, thus resulting in kidney damage

Many of the risk factors listed can potentially lead to Rhabdomyolysis. Some common causes of the condition are:

• The use of drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine
• Excessive muscle strain and insufficient hydration, before and after exercise
• Crush injuries such as occurring during car accidents
• Use of antipsychosis drugs and statins
• Muscle strain, when one is affected by sickle cell anemia
• Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to muscle damage

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis?

The common signs and symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis may include:

• Dark, tea, or cola colored urine
• Decreased amount of urine quantity
• Muscular difficulties such as stiffness or tenderness
• Fatigue; weakness in the targeted muscles
• Extreme forms of soreness
• Seizures and weight gain are less common, but still are certain identifying symptoms

How is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional would diagnose Rhabdomyolysis on the basis of the following parameters and tools:

• A thorough physical examination and an evaluation of personal medical history. This can involve an assessment of one’s signs and symptoms
• Blood tests to ascertain levels of the following compounds or factors in serum:
  • Myoglobin
  • Creatine kinase
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
• Urine tests to ascertain the levels of creatinine and myoglobin

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the potential Complications of Rhabdomyolysis?

Some potential complications of Rhabdomyolysis may include:

• Shock owing to low blood pressure
• Acute kidney failure
• Necrosis (tissue death)
• Chemical imbalance

How is Rhabdomyolysis Treated?

Treatment for Rhabdomyolysis is contingent upon the extent to which the kidneys have been damaged. The following are some treatment options for the condition:

• Use of medicines containing diuretics and bicarbonates, if the urine output is not severely impaired
• Intravenous rehydration with fluids containing bicarbonates
• Dialysis
• Possible hospitalization for the elderly, or for those who have pre-existing medical conditions

How can Rhabdomyolysis be Prevented?

• Rhabdomyolysis can be prevented very effectively, if proper intake of fluids is maintained before and after any strenuous exercise
• It is also important to consume fluids in greater quantities and often, when musculoskeletal damage has taken place (such as due to an accident). This can help dilute the urine
• Avoid the use of any recreational drug

What is the Prognosis of Rhabdomyolysis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Rhabdomyolysis is dictated by the extent of damage to the kidneys:

• Those with milder damage recover within several weeks
• It is reported that acute kidney damage is a possibility in many affected individuals. Prompt treatment could prevent the condition from progressing to a stage of permanent kidney damage
• It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent kidney failure and to improve one’s chances of a recovery. Many patients are reported to experience fatigue and pain after recovery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Rhabdomyolysis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/