[Secondary rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in gastroenteritis with hypernatremic dehydration].

A child with severe gastroenteritis developed acute rhabdomyolysis combined with acute renal failure. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this clinical syndrome are not completely understood. Rhabdomyolysis is mainly due to osmotic changes on both sides of the cell membrane. The preventive and therapeutic measures consist of adequate fluid substitution, correction of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, administration of diuretics and alkalization of the urine. Dialysis treatment may be necessary. In this particular case renal failure resolved but the child died of other organ failure.