Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy for bilateral compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after heroin intake.
Heroin abuse causes various medical and surgical complications. We report a case of heroin-induced severe bilateral compartment syndrome complicated by rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and extremely elevated creatinine kinase. A 30-year-old male heroin addict presented to the emergency department of Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon, New York complaining of severe pain and burning sensation in both legs and feet 1 day after abusing intravenous heroin. He had severe swelling and tenderness of both legs and feet. Laboratory data revealed tremendous elevation of creatine kinase (236,000 IU/L) consistent with rhabdomyolysis. Acute renal failure developed over subsequent days. Treatment consisted of fasciotomy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) and supportive therapy. The condition gradually improved over 4 weeks and the patient did not require dialysis or amputation.
Abdullah
Mahdi S
MS
Chronic Wound Management and Hyperbaric Center, The Mount Vernon Hospital, Life Support Technologies Group, Mount Vernon, New York 10550, USA. Abdullah1959@aol.com
Al-Waili
Noori S
NS
Butler
Glenn
G
Baban
Nawras K
NK
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003932:Heroin / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*
D003932:Heroin