Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
About Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
A breakdown of the muscle cells. It most commonly occurs after a person has been unconscious for several hoursâlying heavily without shifting one's weight can lead to muscle breakdown. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) also occurs after extreme exercise or seizures, and can be a complication (side effect) of certain medications. Cholesterol lowering drugs named statins (atorvastatin/Lipitor, lovastatin/Mevacor, simvastatin/Zocor etc.) can result in this problem. Muscle breakdown releases the protein myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin harms the kidney and can cause kidney failure.Symptoms
Dark urine color, reddish urine, general weakness, muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia), muscle tenderness, weakness of the affected muscles.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by finding an elevated creatinine kinase (CPK) in the blood. Blood tests will check the function of the kidneys.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA).
Conventional treatment summary
The main treatment is IV fluids to maximize how much urine is made. This helps to `rinse` the kidneys and can help to prevent kidney failure. Treatment may include sodium bicarbonate, potassium and magnesium supplements.Medical specialties
Nephrology · Pediatric Nephrology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).