Highlights & Basics
- Rhabdomyolysis is the end result of any disease process that causes muscle cell (myocyte) lysis.
- May have an obvious presentation, such as traumatic "crush" injury, or may be insidious, requiring a high clinical index of suspicion.
- Muscular pain or discomfort is common, but rhabdomyolysis can have no symptoms or physical signs.
- Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated serum creatine kinase level.
- Fluid hydration is the mainstay of therapy.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Kodadek L, Carmichael Ii SP, Seshadri A, et al. Rhabdomyolysis: an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee clinical consensus document. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2022;7(1):e000836.[Abstract][Full Text]
The Renal Association (UK). Clinical practice guideline: acute kidney injury (AKI). Aug 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Sawhney JS, Kasotakis G, Goldenberg A, et al. Management of rhabdomyolysis: a practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Am J Surg. 2022 Jul;224(1 pt a):196-204.[Abstract][Full Text]
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