Pathogenesis and treatment of rhabdomyolysis.

PURPOSE: To provide clinicians in primary and acute care settings with information on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of rhabdomyolysis. DATA SOURCES: Selected review articles from print and electronic sources, and a case study.
CONCLUSIONS: Rhabdomyolysis is a common disorder, which may result from a large variety of diseases, trauma, or toxic insults to skeletal muscle. It is caused by skeletal muscle injury and results in the release of muscle contents (i.e., myoglobin) into the plasma. Muscular, urinary, and general internal disturbances are the three areas where signs and symptoms occur. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinical signs and symptoms vary widely. Associated life-threatening complications include acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias and arrest, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and compartment syndrome. Early recognition and treatment in the acute phase of rhabdomyolysis are keys to successful outcomes and an excellent recovery.