Description
A breakdown of the muscle cells. It most commonly occurs after a person has been unconscious for several hours. Lying heavily (while unconscious or intoxicated) without shifting one's weight can lead to muscle breakdown. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) also occurs after extreme exercise or seizures, and can be a complication (side effect) of certain medications. Cholesterol lowering drugs named statins (atorvastatin/Lipitor, lovastatin/Mevacor, simvastatin/Zocor etc.) can result in this problem. Muscle breakdown releases the protein myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin harms the kidney and can cause kidney failure.
Symptoms
Dark urine color, reddish urine, general weakness, muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia), muscle tenderness, weakness of the affected muscles.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by finding an elevated creatinine kinase (CPK) in the blood. Blood tests will check the function of the kidneys.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Creatinine kinase (CPK), myoglobin
Specialists:
Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by finding an elevated creatinine kinase (CPK) in the blood. Blood tests will check the function of the kidneys.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Creatinine kinase (CPK), myoglobin
Specialists:
Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology
Treatment
The main treatment is IV fluids to maximize how much urine is made. This helps to "rinse" the kidneys and can help to prevent kidney failure. Treatment may include sodium bicarbonate, potassium and magnesium supplements.