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Illegal immigration: the puzzling role of several risk factors for rhabdomyolysis

Laura Colavita1, Valeria Dipasquale1, Giovanni Stroscio1

  • 1Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy.

BMJ Case Reports
|January 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Undocumented immigrants face increased rhabdomyolysis risk due to factors like immobility and dehydration. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery from this muscle breakdown disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Undocumented immigrants often experience challenging travel conditions, including prolonged immobility, dehydration, and hypothermia.
  • These conditions can act as significant risk factors for developing serious medical conditions.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old boy presented with fever, myalgia, and difficulty walking after an undocumented journey from Western Africa to Italy.
  • Elevated creatine phosphokinase levels indicated rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving severe muscle breakdown.

Findings:

  • The patient's condition was linked to adverse travel circumstances and a positive diagnosis of *Chlamydia pneumoniae* infection.
  • Treatment involved fluid resuscitation with saline and bicarbonate, leading to complete recovery of motility within three weeks.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the heightened risk of rhabdomyolysis among undocumented immigrants due to cumulative risk factors.
  • Healthcare providers should consider these risk factors in the diagnosis and management of similar patient populations.
  • Public health strategies may need to address the health challenges faced by undocumented migrant populations.

Keywords:
Fluid Electrolyte And Acid-base DisturbancesGlobal HealthMigration And HealthMusculoskeletal And Joint DisordersToxicology

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