[Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure]

Rhabdomyolysis is damage of the skeletal muscles due to different causes which leads to the release of the contents of muscle cells into the blood stream and conversely to the penetration of water and other substances into muscles via the damaged membrane. This initiates many processes which damage the organism: hypovolaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperuricaemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, renal failure. Renal failure in particular is a frequent and very serious complication. However, when correct treatment is provided, it is usually reversible. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis is not difficult if the possible presence of rhabdomyolysis is considered. Therapy involves in particular supplementation of the vascular volume and forced diuresis.