[Crush syndrome in severe trauma]

Crush injury or traumatic rhabdomyolysis is caused by crushing of large muscule mass, usually of the femoral and gluteal compartment. Crush syndrome is general manifestation of crush injury with renal failure (ARF). ARF is caused by deposition of myoglobin in distal tubules. The concentration of serum creatin phosphokinase is an indicator of the extent of injured muscule. The serum concentration of myoglobin is an indicator of the extent of injured muscule and the main cause of development of crush syndrome. In a prospective study the concentration of myoglobin and CPK was measured in 81 patients with injuries of lower extremities and pelvis as a part of severe trauma. The increase of CPK concentration above 1000 U/L was measured in all patients. The increase of CPK concentration above 2000 U/L was measured in 78 (96.3%) patients. The increase of myoglobin concentration of >700 mcg/L was measured in 19 (23.5%) patients. In the group of 19 patients with CPK concentration of >2000 U/L and myoglobin concentration of >700 mcg/L crush syndrome developed in 6 (7.4%) patients with oliguria (urin output <50 ml/h) and the increase of serum potassium, phosphate and creatinine concentrations. The decrease of CPK and myoglobin concentrations was achieved in 5 patients during 10-12 days and 1 patient with associated craniocrebral injury died.