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Rhabdomyolysis: a review, with emphasis on the pediatric population

Essam F Elsayed1, Robert F Reilly

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, VA North Texas Health Care System, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA. Essam.Elsayed@va.gov

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|June 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Rhabdomyolysis, a condition causing muscle breakdown, is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Early recognition and hydration are key to preventing kidney damage, especially in children.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Rhabdomyolysis is a significant clinical syndrome, contributing to 7% of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases in the USA.
  • Common causes include trauma, exercise, medications, and infections, with infections and inherited disorders being prevalent in pediatric cases.
  • Key symptoms include myalgias, weakness, and dark urine, often accompanied by elevated creatinine kinase and myoglobin levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the causes, diagnosis, and management of rhabdomyolysis.
  • To highlight the importance of early recognition in preventing acute kidney injury.
  • To discuss the role of genetic testing in suspected inherited forms of rhabdomyolysis.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical review of rhabdomyolysis cases.
  • Analysis of diagnostic markers including creatinine kinase and myoglobin.
  • Consideration of muscle biopsy and genetic testing for specific patient groups.

Main Results:

  • Rhabdomyolysis is a common cause of AKI, particularly in children due to infections or inherited disorders.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by elevated creatine kinase and myoglobin levels.
  • Aggressive hydration is crucial for preventing AKI.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and prompt treatment, primarily aggressive hydration, are vital for preventing acute kidney injury in rhabdomyolysis.
  • Genetic testing and muscle biopsy are important for diagnosing recurrent or suspected metabolic myopathies.
  • Further research into pathophysiology and genetics may lead to novel therapies for rhabdomyolysis.

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