Article Sections

Introduction

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers, leading to release of muscle cell contents (eg, myoglobin, creatine kinase [CK], potassium, uric acid, phosphorus) into the bloodstream.  The condition can be mild, with patients experiencing only an asymptomatic rise in serum CK, or it can be severe, causing complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI), electrolyte imbalances, and compartment syndrome.

Risk factors and pathophysiology

Rhabdomyolysis can occur due to various predisposing factors, including the following:

  • Traumatic causes (most common):  Crush injuries, extensive burns, and prolonged immobilization can cause muscle damage.
  • Nontraumatic nonexertional causes:
    • Medications ( Table 1) can be direct myotoxins (eg, statin, colchicine), lead to immobilization (eg, heroin, alcohol), or cause excess muscle energy demands (eg, cocaine).
    • Infections (eg, influenza,

Continue Learning with UWorld

Get the full Rhabdomyolysis article plus rich visuals, real-world cases, and in-depth insights from medical experts, all available through the UWorld Medical Library.

Tables

Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5