[Ischemic rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure]

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the breakdown and later necrosis of skeletal muscle, leading to the release of various intracellular components into the blood stream. The clinical expression of rhabdomyolysis ranges from asymptomatic to severe forms involving multiorgan failure with electrolyte imbalance, respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Diagnosis is based on a finding of elevated serum levels of components that are normally found within the muscle cell, chiefly muscle enzymes and myoglobin. Acute kidney failure, one of the main consequences of rhabdomyolysis, occurs in 4% to 33% of cases. Treatment requires prompt volume replacement with crystalloids. In spite of successful resuscitation and prophylaxis against myoglobulin-induced renal failure, 1 out of every 3 patients develops kidney damage and requires continuous replacement therapy.