Rhabdomyolysis: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that occurs when muscles are damaged. This damage releases the pigment myoglobin from the muscles into the blood. Kidneys under normal conditions usually filter pigments from the blood. However substances from muscle damage can harm the kidneys by blocking their filtering structures. Kidney failure occurs so that the kidneys excrete toxic waste products into the blood.

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, causes of rhabdomyolysis, and rhabdomyolysis drugs, will be described further below.

How common is rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is more common in adults, although it can also threaten infants, toddlers and adolescents who are born with deficiencies in the enzymes needed for carbohydrate and fat metabolism, or who have genetic muscle disease.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?

The most common symptoms are muscle aches and reddish or purplish urine which then progresses to reduced urine output and even a complete disappearance of urine production. This serious condition at the incapacity to urinate is a symptom of kidney failure, which means you need immediate medical attention. Other symptoms and complaints are fatigue, lethargy, muscle aches, extreme thirst, and a heartbeat that is too fast and irregular.

In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:

• Feeling that you have one of the causes of rhabdomyolysis, especially a painful muscle injury or heat stroke associated with sports or physical activities
• Look for changes in urine color and reduction in urine volume

Cause

What causes rhabdomyolysis?

Causes of Rhabdomyolysis include: muscle injury, seizures, and heat stroke associated with exercise or physical activity.

Other causes can include severe frostbite, severe burns, drug overdose, cocaine use, and side effects of taking drugs such as statins (used to treat high cholesterol).

Sometimes, overexertion by an untrained person can also lead to severe muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for rhabdomyolysis?

Some of the risk factors below can affect your chances of getting rhabdomyolysis, namely:

• Drugs and toxic substances (direct muscle damage): HMG-CoA inhibitors, especially in combination with fibrate-lowering fat-lowering such as niacin (nicotinic acid, Nicola); Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Erythromycin, Colchicine, Zidovudine (AZT), corticosteroids
• Drugs and toxic substances (indirect muscle damage): Alcohol, central nervous system depressants, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, neuromuscular blocking agents

The absence of risk does not mean that you are free from possible exposure to disease. The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for rhabdomyolysis?

Treatment is carried out in a hospital. Intravenous fluids are the first to be given to patients to keep urine flowing. The treatment also helps flush pigment from the kidneys. Medicines can be given to change the acidity of the urine and make the urine alkaline, as well as to increase the volume of urine.

If your kidneys have failed, the doctor will ask you to perform dialysis treatment (kidney machine) to remove fluid and residue and also rest the kidneys so that they can work properly again. This treatment can take several weeks or months depending on how severe your condition is.

What are the usual tests for rhabdomyolysis

The doctor will make a diagnosis based on a medical track record, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Blood tests will show how badly your kidneys are working, high levels of potassium, and other disturbances in body fluids. In addition, the doctor will also check the levels of Cratine kinase, which is waste from muscle damage.

A urine test will help your doctor find myoglobin, which is a hemoglobin-like cell that is also produced from damaged muscles to diagnose rhabdomyolysis.

The doctor will also perform other examinations to describe other causes that have similar symptoms, identify the cause of rhabdomyolysis, or look for possible complications.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat rhabdomyolysis?

The following are forms of a healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Rhabdomyolysis:

• Consume plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Stop consuming alcohol or drugs that may be contributing to your condition. Look for a program that can help you quit drinking alcohol

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.