Plasma exchange after revascularization compartment syndrome with acute toxic nephropathy caused by rhabdomyolysis

A 75-year-old man developed acute, fulminating compartment syndrome of the femoral and crural muscles together with acute toxic nephropathy caused by severe myoglobinemia after uncomplicated embolectomy of the common femoral artery. In addition to fasciotomies and administration of mannitol, sodium hydrogen bicarbonate, and furosemide, we performed plasma exchanges on three occasions. The urine and serum concentrations of myoglobin fell from above 180.0 and 50.0 mg/dl, respectively, to 0.14 and 0.11 mg/dl after the third plasma exchange on the ninth day after admission. The serum creatinine concentration was normal on admission, peaked at 2.85 mg/dl, and returned to normal values at discharge. We suggest that plasma exchange may be considered an adjunct to conventional therapy of compartment syndrome with associated acute toxic nephropathy caused by myoglobinemia.