Rhabdomyolysis Flashcards
What is 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.
What are the causes of rhabdomyolysis?
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 other any 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
What is myoglobin?
Myoglobin is an iron- and oxygen-binding protein found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates in general and in almost all mammals. It is related to hemoglobin, which is the iron- and oxygen-binding protein in blood, specifically in the red blood cells. Myoglobin is only found in the bloodstream after muscle injury. It is an abnormal finding, and can be diagnostically relevant when found in blood.
Symptoms?
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)
Treatment?
You will need IV fluids containing bicarbonate to help prevent kidney damage. Some people may need kidney dialysis.
Your doctor 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.
