Rhabdomyolysis induced by a caffeine overdose

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nephrology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant with a known toxicity profile.
• Severe caffeine intoxication is rare but can lead to serious medical emergencies.

Observation:

• A patient ingested a large dose of caffeine (3.57 g) in a suicide attempt.
• The patient presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.
• Diagnosis was delayed, but the patient was hospitalized.

Findings:

• Rhabdomyolysis occurred in the absence of other predisposing factors for muscle necrosis.
• Treatment included peritoneal dialysis and volume expansion.
• The patient showed rapid improvement but had residual renal function impairment upon discharge.

Implications:

• This case highlights rhabdomyolysis as a rare but serious complication of caffeine intoxication.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing severe caffeine overdose.
• Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of caffeine-induced rhabdomyolysis.