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Hypothermia-induced Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report
Christopher Daniel Chase1, Rebecca A Smith2
1Lakes District Health Board, Rotorua Hospital, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Background:
A 29-year-old man was lost in the bush with minimal clothing for almost 2 days.
Case Report:
The patient in this case developed rhabdomyolysis with subsequent acute kidney injury. He was treated with passive warming and intravenous fluids, with resolution of the kidney injury. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Patients who present with hypothermia may develop rhabdomyolysis with subsequent acute kidney injury. If not identified, renal failure may develop. This is easily preventable if the practitioner is aware of the possible consequences of cold exposure, orders the appropriate test, and administers corrective treatment.
