BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuRhabdomyolysisRhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. These substances are harmful to the kidney and often cause kidney damage. Causes When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by injury or any other condition that damages skeletal muscle.Problems that may lead to this disease include:Trauma or crush injuries Use of drugs or medicines such as cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP CocaineCocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine comes as a white powder, which can be dissolved in water. It is available as a powder or...Read Article Now Book Mark Article HeroinSubstance use is the continued use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines with negative consequences....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic muscle diseases Extremes of body temperature Ischemia or death of muscle tissue Low phosphate levels Seizures or muscle tremors SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe exertion, such as marathon running or calisthenics Lengthy surgical procedures Severe dehydration Symptoms Symptoms may include:Dark, red, or cola-colored urine Decreased urine output General weakness Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia) MyalgiaMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle tenderness Weakness of the affected muscles WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Joint pain Joint painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gain (unintentional)Weight gain (unintentional)Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking more.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests A physical exam will show tender or damaged skeletal muscles.The following tests may be done:Creatine kinase (CK) level Creatine kinaseCreatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme in the body. It is found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. This article discusses the test...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum calcium Serum myoglobin Serum myoglobinThe myoglobin blood test measures the level of the protein myoglobin in the blood. Myoglobin can also be measured with a urine test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum potassium Serum potassiumThis test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine myoglobin test Urine myoglobinThe myoglobin urine test is done to detect the presence of myoglobin in urine. Myoglobin can also be measured with a blood test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:CK isoenzymes CK isoenzymesThe creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzymes test measures the different forms of CPK in the blood. CPK is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum creatinine Serum creatinineThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine creatinineUrine creatinineThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment You will need to get fluids containing bicarbonate to help prevent kidney damage. You may need to get fluids through a vein (IV). Some people may need kidney dialysis.Your health care provider may prescribe medicines including diuretics and bicarbonate (if there is enough urine output).Hyperkalemia and low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) should be treated right away. Kidney failure should also be treated.HyperkalemiaHigh potassium level is a problem in which the amount of potassium in the blood is higher than normal. The medical name of this condition is hyperka...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the amount of kidney damage. Acute kidney failure occurs in many people. Getting treated soon after rhabdomyolysis will reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage.Kidney damageInjury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with milder cases may return to their normal activities within a few weeks to a month. However, some people continue to have problems with fatigue and muscle pain. Possible Complications Complications may include:Acute tubular necrosis Acute tubular necrosisAcute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a kidney disorder involving damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys, which can lead to acute kidney failure. The t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute renal failure Acute renal failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Harmful chemical imbalances in the blood Shock (low blood pressure) ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Prevention Rhabdomyolysis can be avoided by:Avoiding drugs or medicines that may cause rhabdomyolysis. Drinking plenty of fluids after strenuous exercise. Removing extra clothes and immersing the body in cold water in case of heat stroke.Open ReferencesReferencesLong B, Koyfman A. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 116.O'Connor FG, Deuster PA. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 99.Paine CH, Jefferson JA, Velez JCQ. Pathophysiology and etiology of acute kidney injury. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 70.AllVideoImagesTogKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationRelated Information Acute tubular necrosis(Condition)Acute kidney failure(Condition)Necrosis(Special Topic)Shock(Injury)Arterial embolism(Condition)Deep vein thrombosis(Condition)Seizures(Symptoms)Toxicology screen(Medical Test)Heat intolerance(Symptoms)Heat emergencies(Injury)Alcohol use disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/28/2023 Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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RhabdomyolysisRhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. These substances are harmful to the kidney and often cause kidney damage. Causes When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by injury or any other condition that damages skeletal muscle.Problems that may lead to this disease include:Trauma or crush injuries Use of drugs or medicines such as cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP CocaineCocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine comes as a white powder, which can be dissolved in water. It is available as a powder or...Read Article Now Book Mark Article HeroinSubstance use is the continued use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines with negative consequences....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic muscle diseases Extremes of body temperature Ischemia or death of muscle tissue Low phosphate levels Seizures or muscle tremors SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe exertion, such as marathon running or calisthenics Lengthy surgical procedures Severe dehydration Symptoms Symptoms may include:Dark, red, or cola-colored urine Decreased urine output General weakness Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia) MyalgiaMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle tenderness Weakness of the affected muscles WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Joint pain Joint painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gain (unintentional)Weight gain (unintentional)Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking more.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests A physical exam will show tender or damaged skeletal muscles.The following tests may be done:Creatine kinase (CK) level Creatine kinaseCreatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme in the body. It is found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. This article discusses the test...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum calcium Serum myoglobin Serum myoglobinThe myoglobin blood test measures the level of the protein myoglobin in the blood. Myoglobin can also be measured with a urine test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum potassium Serum potassiumThis test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine myoglobin test Urine myoglobinThe myoglobin urine test is done to detect the presence of myoglobin in urine. Myoglobin can also be measured with a blood test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:CK isoenzymes CK isoenzymesThe creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzymes test measures the different forms of CPK in the blood. CPK is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum creatinine Serum creatinineThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine creatinineUrine creatinineThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment You will need to get fluids containing bicarbonate to help prevent kidney damage. You may need to get fluids through a vein (IV). Some people may need kidney dialysis.Your health care provider may prescribe medicines including diuretics and bicarbonate (if there is enough urine output).Hyperkalemia and low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) should be treated right away. Kidney failure should also be treated.HyperkalemiaHigh potassium level is a problem in which the amount of potassium in the blood is higher than normal. The medical name of this condition is hyperka...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the amount of kidney damage. Acute kidney failure occurs in many people. Getting treated soon after rhabdomyolysis will reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage.Kidney damageInjury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with milder cases may return to their normal activities within a few weeks to a month. However, some people continue to have problems with fatigue and muscle pain. Possible Complications Complications may include:Acute tubular necrosis Acute tubular necrosisAcute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a kidney disorder involving damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys, which can lead to acute kidney failure. The t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute renal failure Acute renal failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Harmful chemical imbalances in the blood Shock (low blood pressure) ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Prevention Rhabdomyolysis can be avoided by:Avoiding drugs or medicines that may cause rhabdomyolysis. Drinking plenty of fluids after strenuous exercise. Removing extra clothes and immersing the body in cold water in case of heat stroke.Open ReferencesReferencesLong B, Koyfman A. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 116.O'Connor FG, Deuster PA. Rhabdomyolysis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 99.Paine CH, Jefferson JA, Velez JCQ. Pathophysiology and etiology of acute kidney injury. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 70.