Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Published on: June 10, 2025
McMahon Score as a predictor of mortality in lightning-associated rhabdomyolysis
Abdullah Şen1, Mahmut Yaman2, Şilan Göger Ülgüt3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakır, 21280, Turkey. drabdullahsen@gmail.com.
Background:
Lightning strikes are rare but potentially fatal environmental events that can lead to rhabdomyolysis through extensive muscle injury. This condition may result in serious complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. While the McMahon Score is a recognized prognostic tool in trauma-induced rhabdomyolysis, its effectiveness in lightning-related cases remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of the McMahon Score in predicting mortality and the development of AKI in patients presenting with lightning strike-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 66 patients admitted to a tertiary emergency department (ED) after lightning strikes between January 2013 and January 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were reviewed. Patients were categorized by McMahon Score (≤ 6 and > 6). Outcomes such as mortality and AKI were compared. Predictive performance was assessed using ROC curve analysis.
Results:
The median age was 21 years; 72.7% were male. The overall mortality rate was 21.2%, and AKI incidence was 7.0%. Patients with McMahon Scores > 6 had significantly higher mortality and AKI rates (p < 0.05). The score showed strong predictive power for mortality (AUC: 0.951). A cutoff value of 6 yielded 71.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Conclusions:
The McMahon Score is a reliable tool for predicting mortality and AKI in lightning-induced rhabdomyolysis. Its simplicity and high accuracy make it valuable for rapid risk assessment in emergency settings.
Insights
The McMahon Score effectively predicts mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with lightning-induced rhabdomyolysis. This validated tool aids rapid risk assessment in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Nephrology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Lightning strikes can cause rhabdomyolysis, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) and death.
- The McMahon Score is used for trauma-induced rhabdomyolysis, but its use in lightning-related cases is unclear.
- Evaluating the McMahon Score's prognostic value in lightning-induced rhabdomyolysis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the McMahon Score's effectiveness in predicting mortality.
- To determine the score's utility in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI).
- To validate the McMahon Score for lightning-related rhabdomyolysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 66 patients admitted after lightning strikes (2013-2023).
- Patients categorized by McMahon Score (≤6 vs. >6).
- Comparison of mortality and AKI rates; ROC curve analysis for predictive performance.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 21.2%, AKI incidence was 7.0%.
- McMahon Scores >6 correlated with significantly higher mortality and AKI rates (p<0.05).
- The score demonstrated strong mortality prediction (AUC: 0.951) with high sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff of 6.
Conclusions:
- The McMahon Score reliably predicts mortality and AKI in lightning-induced rhabdomyolysis.
- Its simplicity and accuracy support its use for rapid risk stratification.
- The score is valuable for emergency settings managing lightning strike victims.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies