Seven-Digit Creatine Kinase in Acute Rhabdomyolysis in a Child

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neurology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Rhabdomyolysis is a critical condition in children with diverse etiologies.
• Viral myositis and trauma are leading causes, potentially leading to acute kidney injury.
• Extremely elevated creatine kinase levels indicate severe muscle breakdown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an exceptionally high creatine kinase level in a pediatric rhabdomyolysis case.
• To highlight viral myositis as a cause of severe rhabdomyolysis in a child.
• To document the clinical course and management of a child with a 7-digit creatine kinase level.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 3-year-old male child.
• Clinical presentation and laboratory findings, including peak plasma creatine kinase.
• Assessment of renal function and management decisions.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with acute rhabdomyolysis.
• Peak plasma creatine kinase reached a 7-digit level, exceeding previously reported cases.
• The child recovered without requiring renal dialysis.

Conclusions:

• Viral myositis can cause life-threatening rhabdomyolysis with extremely high creatine kinase levels in children.
• Severe rhabdomyolysis does not always necessitate renal dialysis.
• This case expands the understanding of pediatric rhabdomyolysis severity and outcomes.