Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
04:45

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Published on: June 2, 2022

COVID-19-Associated Rhabdomyolysis in Hospitalized Patients: Retrospective Cohort Study

Paula Esquerdo-Serrano1, Silvia Otero-Rodriguez2, Hector Pinargote-Celorio2

  • 1Pneumology Department, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital. Alicante Institute of Healthcare and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.

Saudi Medical Journal
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon yet severe complication of COVID-19, primarily affecting males. This condition is frequently linked to acute kidney injury and significantly increases the risk of in-hospital mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19 has been associated with various complications, including muscle damage.
  • Rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving severe muscle breakdown, has been anecdotally reported in COVID-19 patients.
  • Understanding the incidence and clinical impact of rhabdomyolysis in COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of rhabdomyolysis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
  • To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 patients who develop rhabdomyolysis.
  • To identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Single-center retrospective cohort study of adult COVID-19 patients admitted between March 2020 and March 2024.
  • Rhabdomyolysis defined by a creatine kinase (CK) level of 1000 U/L or higher.
  • Comparison of demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data between patients with and without rhabdomyolysis.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence of rhabdomyolysis was 0.26% (20 out of 7,590 patients).
  • Male sex was independently associated with a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis (adjusted OR 4.35).
  • Rhabdomyolysis was linked to a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (60%), need for hemodialysis (15%), and in-hospital mortality (35% vs. 11.5%).

Conclusions:

  • Rhabdomyolysis is an infrequent but serious complication of COVID-19.
  • Male patients are predominantly affected and face increased risks of kidney injury and mortality.
  • Early recognition and management of rhabdomyolysis may be important in severe COVID-19 cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute kidney injuryCOVID-19HospitalizationMortalityRhabdomyolysis

More Related Videos

Non-Invasive Endotracheal Administration of Lipopolysaccharide to Induce Acute Lung Injury in Rodents04:10

Non-Invasive Endotracheal Administration of Lipopolysaccharide to Induce Acute Lung Injury in Rodents

Published on: December 5, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction01:22

Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

Introduction:Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) describes a swift decrease in kidney function occurring over hours to days, characterized by the kidneys' failure to remove waste products from the bloodstream. This leads to dangerous complications like metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. AKI is common in both hospital and outpatient settings, often triggered by dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...