Related Experiment Videos
General convulsions and rhabdomyolysis. Case reports
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Generalized seizures can cause rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle breakdown leads to kidney damage. Prompt diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for preventing acute renal failure in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Generalized seizures can precipitate rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving skeletal muscle breakdown.
- This muscle damage can lead to myoglobinuria and subsequent acute kidney injury.
Observation:
- Presents two cases of rhabdomyolysis secondary to generalized seizures.
- Highlights diagnostic indicators: elevated serum creatine kinase and characteristic urinary findings.
- Urinary findings include dark brown urine, positive hemoglobin dipstick with few red blood cells, and pigmented granular casts.
Findings:
- Rhabdomyolysis from seizures can cause myoglobinuria and acute renal failure.
- Serum creatine kinase levels are key for diagnosing rhabdomyolysis.
- Urinary analysis reveals hemoglobinuria without significant hematuria, alongside specific casts.
Implications:
- Maintaining high, alkaline diuresis is vital for preventing acute renal failure.
- Acute renal failure in these cases is typically reversible.
- Renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis, may be required temporarily.