Symptoms of Rhabdomyolyis

Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by muscle destruction resulting in leakage of intracellular components of into the blood. Patients can have multiple symptoms including muscle discomfort, muscle weakness, kidney failure, fever, muscle pain, mental status changes, and change in the color of urine.

There are many causes of rhabdomyolysis including exposure to medications, such as a baycol or haloperidol. Other causes include trauma, arterial thrombosis, infection, excessive exercise, compartment syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or electrocution.

People who develop rhabdomyolysis will have a laboratory evidence of muscle breakdown and release of intracellular components with the expected associated kidney dysfunction and abnormal electrolytes. These abnormalities may include hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, elevated CPK, elevated creatinine, hyperuricemia, an elevated myoglobin.

The treatment includes determining and correcting the underlying cause. Intravenous volume repletion and electrolyte management are important treatments for rhabdomyolysis.

Symptoms of Rhabdomyolyis often do not lead directly to the underlying diagnosis and many symptoms can be misleading. Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.