Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Causing Acute Kidney Injury: A Potential Threat to Gym Lovers

Rhabdomyolysis, by definition, means the breakdown of muscles. The common causes are trauma, immobility, illicit drug use, medications, toxins, infections, potassium imbalance, hypothyroid or hyperthyroid states, hypothermia or hyperthermia, and some congenital muscular dystrophy. Exercise or exertion-induced rhabdomyolysis is a very uncommon entity and potentially rising among young generations amid getting perfect body shape as influenced by social platforms. However, rhabdomyolysis can lead to lethal complications, most commonly acute kidney injury leading to dialysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and acute compartment syndrome. Here we report a case of exertion-induced rhabdomyolysis causing acute renal failure in a young patient who presented to the emergency room at The Kidney Center, Karachi, after exercising at the gym. The patient was subsequently treated with hemodialysis and was discharged after six days of hospital admission.