Bench-to-bedside review: Rhabdomyolysis -- an overview for clinicians.

Authors

Ana L Huerta-Alardín, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas School of Medicine, Tampico, México
Joseph Varon, The University of Texas Health Science Center and St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas, USAFollow
Paul E Marik, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2005

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed and is published in BMC Critical Care Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2005, Pages 158-169. The published version is available at DOI: 10.1186/cc2978. Copyright © BioMed Central Ltd.

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis ranges from an asymptomatic illness with elevation in the creatine kinase level to a life-threatening condition associated with extreme elevations in creatine kinase, electrolyte imbalances, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Muscular trauma is the most common cause of rhabdomyolysis. Less common causes include muscle enzyme deficiencies, electrolyte abnormalities, infectious causes, drugs, toxins and endocrinopathies. Weakness, myalgia and tea-colored urine are the main clinical manifestations. The most sensitive laboratory finding of muscle injury is an elevated plasma creatine kinase level. The management of patients with rhabdomyolysis includes early vigorous hydration.

Recommended Citation

Huerta-Alardín, Ana L; Varon, Joseph; and Marik, Paul E, "Bench-to-bedside review: Rhabdomyolysis -- an overview for clinicians." (2005). Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations. Paper 7.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tjuhpapers/7