Anybody ever gotten Rhabdomyolysis? How does it happen? Can it subside later?

Answer 1

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents into the circulation. Some of these are toxic to the kidney and frequently result in kidney damage.


The disorder may be caused by any condition that results in damage to skeletal muscle, especially trauma.

Risk factors include the following:

* Severe exertion such as marathon running or calisthenics
* Ischemia or necrosis of the muscles (as may occur with arterial occlusion, deep venous thrombosis, or other conditions)
* Seizures
* Use or overdose of drugs-especially cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP
* Trauma
* Crush Injuries
* Shaking chills
* Heat intolerance and/or heatstroke
* Alcoholism (with subsequent muscle tremors)
* Low phosphate levels

Symptoms

* Abnormal urine color (dark, red, or cola colored)
* Muscle tenderness
* Weakness of the affected muscle(s)
* Generalized weakness
* Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include the following:

* Weight gain (unintentional)
* Seizures
* Joint pain
* Fatigue

Treatment

Early and aggressive hydration may prevent complications by rapidly eliminating the myoglobin out of the kidneys. The hydration needs with muscle necrosis may approximate the massive fluid volume needs of a severely burned patient. This may involve intravenous administration of several liters of fluid until the condition stabilizes.

Diuretic medications such as mannitol or furosemide may aid in flushing the pigment out of the kidneys. If the urine output is sufficient, bicarbonate may be given to maintain an alkaline urine state. This helps to prevent the dissociation of myoglobin into toxic compounds.

Hyperkalemia should be treated if present. Kidney failure should be treated as appropriate.

Prevention
After any condition that may involve damage to skeletal muscle, hydration should be adequate to dilute the urine and flush the myoglobin out of the kidney.