Definition

Rhabdomyolysis is a group of symptoms. It caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue. Proteins called myoglobin are then released into the blood flow. These proteins can cause severe damage to the kidneys.

Causes

The muscle damage may be caused by:

• Excessive muscle activity
• Certain muscle diseases
• Severe muscle injuries such as a crush injury
• Overuse of alcohol or illicit drugs
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Body is too cold— hypothermia
• Body is too hot— heat stroke
• Contact with electrical current Electrical burns
• Poison from a snake or spider bite
• Major surgical procedures that need large, muscle incisions—rare

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of muscle damage include:

• Extreme exertion, such as running a marathon
• Heat stroke
• Use of some prescription drugs
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Severe seizures or convulsions

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

• Dark urine—brown or red in color (tea-colored)
• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness

Other symptoms include:

• Muscle swelling
• Back pain
• Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, rhabdomyolysis may result in:

• Kidney damage or failure
• Multiple organ failure
• Abnormal heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia

Anatomy of the Kidney

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Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect rhabdo based on symptoms and recent past.

To confirm the diagnosis your may test:

• Blood—to look for markers of muscle damage
• Urine—to look for myoglobin, a protein released with muscle damage (only appears in urine if there are high levels in blood)

The activity of your muscles and heart may be tested. This can be done with:

• Electromyography EMG
• ECG —heart may be affected by electrolytes changes

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Prevention

To reduce your chance of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis:

• Drink plenty of fluids when:
  • Exercising
  • Sitting or working in hot weather
• Drink alcohol in moderation—this is 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women
• Avoid illicit drugs