Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Multifactorial Assessment of Motor Behavior in Rats after Unilateral Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury
Published on: July 31, 2021
Crush syndrome in a case of severe infant physical abuse: a case report
Maria Florou1, Vassilis Lambropoulos1, Vasileios Mouravas1
1Second Paediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Insights
Traumatic rhabdomyolysis, or crush syndrome, can occur in infants due to physical abuse. Early diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis in children with blunt trauma is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Toxicology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Crush syndrome (traumatic rhabdomyolysis) involves skeletal muscle fiber disruption and release of intracellular contents.
- While trauma is a common cause in adults, viral infections and inherited disorders are more frequent in children.
- Rhabdomyolysis secondary to non-accidental pediatric trauma is rarely reported.
Observation:
- This report details an unusual case of traumatic rhabdomyolysis in an infant following significant physical abuse.
- The infant presented with symptoms indicative of rhabdomyolysis after experiencing substantial blunt force trauma.
Findings:
- Physical abuse can lead to traumatic rhabdomyolysis in infants.
- The case highlights the importance of considering non-accidental trauma in pediatric rhabdomyolysis evaluations.
Implications:
- Pediatric healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for rhabdomyolysis in children with a history of excessive blunt trauma.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of traumatic rhabdomyolysis are essential to avert life-threatening complications in pediatric patients.
- This case underscores the need for awareness regarding the potential for severe physical abuse to cause crush syndrome in infants.
Abstract:
Crush syndrome, also known as traumatic rhabdomyolysis, is the result of the disruption of skeletal muscle fibers with the release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream. Although trauma is the main trigger for rhabdomyolysis in adults, in the pediatric population viral infections and inherited disorders seem to be the most frequent causes. Only a few reports in the literature mention rhabdomyolysis secondary to non-accidental pediatric trauma. We herein report an unusual case of traumatic rhabdomyolysis, following significant physical abuse in an infant. Rhabdomyolysis should be suspected in children presenting with a history of excessive blunt trauma, because a prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent from the potential life-threatening consequences.
