Rhabdomyolysis Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology behind rhabdomyolysis?
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors can lead to a severe muscle breakdown
When muscle is damaged, intracellular myocyte contents are released into the bloodstream.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
The destruction of striated muscle cells
What are some extrinsic causes of rhabdomyolysis?
Trauma (crush syndrome)
Exertion (strenuous exercise)
Substance misuse (cocaine)
What is crush syndrome/traumatic rhabdomyolysis?
Crush syndrome (also known as traumatic
rhabdomyolysis) is a medical condition characterized by
major shock and kidney failure after a crushing injury to
skeletal muscle.
What are some intrinsic causes of rhabdomyolysis?
Infections (malaria)
Muscle hypoxia (long lie)
What are some signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?
Swollen and painful muscles
Fever, nausea, vomiting
Dark or ‘cocacola’ colour urine
What are the two common complication of rhabdomyolysis?
Very high levels of potassium in the blood
Very low levels of calcium in the blood
What does hypocalcaemia cause on an ECG?
QTc prolongation by prolonging the ST segment causing TORSADES DE POINTES
