Pathogenesis and treatment of rhabdomyolysis.
OBJECTIVE
To provide clinicians in primary and acute care settings with information on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of rhabdomyolysis.


METHODS
Selected review articles from print and electronic sources, and a case study.


CONCLUSIONS
Rhabdomyolysis is a common disorder, which may result from a large variety of diseases, trauma, or toxic insults to skeletal muscle. It is caused by skeletal muscle injury and results in the release of muscle contents (i.e., myoglobin) into the plasma. Muscular, urinary, and general internal disturbances are the three areas where signs and symptoms occur.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical signs and symptoms vary widely. Associated life-threatening complications include acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias and arrest, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and compartment syndrome. Early recognition and treatment in the acute phase of rhabdomyolysis are keys to successful outcomes and an excellent recovery.
Rupert
Stacy A
SA
University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. srupert@flash.net
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
D006003:Glycogen; D002118:Calcium