Rhabdomyolysis is a disorder in which skeletal muscle fibers break down and release muscle fiber contents called myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is dangerous to the kidneys and can result in permanent damage.
Indication
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle is damaged. The myoglobin released by damaged muscle breaks down into potentially toxic proteins. As the kidneys filter the myoglobin out of the body, these substances can block the structures of the kidneys, causing complications.
Causes
Rhabdomyolysis can occur whenever there is damage to skeletal muscle, according to the National Institutes of Health. Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include alcoholism, crush injuries, heatstroke, muscle death, low phosphate levels, shaking chills, trauma, seizures and certain inherited or genetic syndromes. Certain medications may also cause rhabdomyolysis including cocaine, amphetamines, heroin and PCP. The MayoClinic.com explains that in rare cases, statin medications for cholesterol may cause rhabdomyolysis.
Symptoms
One of the most notable symptoms in rhabdomyolysis is dark urine that resembles tea or cola, or urine that is deep red. This occurs as the kidneys lose their ability to properly filter wastes from the body. People with rhabdomyolysis may commonly note general weakness, muscle aching or stiffness, weakness to the affected muscle and muscles that are tender to the touch, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, seizures and weight gain.
Diagnosis
Lab results will help confirm a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A physician will order blood tests to look for serum myoglobin in the blood as well as a urinalysis, which will reveal myoglobin in the urine as well. Other labs that indicate a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis include a high creatinine phosphokinase test, or CPK. Serum potassium may be elevated.
Treatment
Aggressive intravenous fluids may prevent kidney damage by rapidly flushing myoglobin out of the kidneys, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, some patients may need dialysis to help pull the myoglobin from the blood. Physicians may prescribe diuretics as well as bicarbonate to help reduce the acidic nature of the blood caused by the rhabdomyolysis.
Complications
It is possible for rhabdomyolysis to cause acute kidney failure, which is the sudden inability of the kidneys to properly filter out waste and concentrate urine. Another possible complication is a disorder called acute tubular necrosis due to the myoglobin causing death to the tubule cells of the kidneys, which ultimately results in kidney failure.
