PCCN Rhabdomyolysis

PCCN Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious syndrome due to a direct or indirect muscle injury. It results from the death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications such as renal (kidney) failure. This means the kidneys cannot remove waste and concentrated urine. In rare cases, rhabdomyolysis can even cause death.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dark, red, or cola-colored urine
• Decreased urine output
• General weakness
• Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)
• Muscle tenderness
• Weakness of the affected muscles
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Seizures
• Weight gain (unintentional)

Causes

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 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

Treatment 

Treatment depends on the severity of the case, symptoms, and presence of additional health complications that may increase the risk of kidney damage. In severe cases, kidney damage can be irreversible without early treatment.

One treatment method is intravenous fluid therapy. Large volumes of water are often administered to the veins for long time in order to rehydrate the body and flush out any myoglobin.

Other treatment options for severe rhabdomyolysis include:

• urine alkalization
• dialysis
• filtration of the blood (in very severe cases)