Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis 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
Cocaine
Cocaine 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...
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Substance 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
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Seizures or muscle tremors
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
Read 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)
Myalgia
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...
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- Weakness of the affected muscles
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
-
Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
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-
Seizures
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
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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.
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Exams and Tests
A physical exam will show tender or damaged skeletal muscles.
The following tests may be done:
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Creatine kinase (CK) level
Creatine kinase
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme in the body. It is found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. This article discusses the test...
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-
Serum myoglobin
Serum myoglobin
The myoglobin blood test measures the level of the protein myoglobin in the blood. Myoglobin can also be measured with a urine test.
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Serum potassium
Serum potassium
This test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...
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Urinalysis
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...
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Urine myoglobin test
Urine myoglobin
The myoglobin urine test is done to detect the presence of myoglobin in urine. Myoglobin can also be measured with a blood test.
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This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:
-
CK isoenzymes
CK isoenzymes
The creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzymes test measures the different forms of CPK in the blood. CPK is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain...
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Serum creatinine
Serum creatinine
The 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...
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Urine creatinine
Urine creatinine
The 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 ...
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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.
Hyperkalemia
High 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleKidney failure
Acute 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOutlook (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 damage
Injury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePeople 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 necrosis
Acute 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...
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Acute renal failure
Acute renal failure
Acute 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...
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Shock (low blood pressure)
Shock
Shock 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...
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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.
References
Long 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.
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Kidney 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 anatomy
illustration
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.