Rhabdomyolysis

Question 1

Risk factors for rhabdomyolysis

Answer 1

• prolonged seizure
• collapse/coma
• ecstasy
• crush injury
• McArdle’s syndrome
• drugs: statins

Question 2

Investigation findings in rhabdomyolysis

Answer 2

• AKI
• disproportionate creatinine
• high CK
• myoglobinuria
• hypocalcaemia, high phosphate
• hyperkalaemia
• metabolic acidosis

Question 3

What causes the low calcium and high phsophate found in rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 3

myocytes release phosphate
myoglobin binds calcium

Question 4

Management of rhabdomyolysis

Answer 4

• IV fluids to maintain good urine output
• urinary alkalinization is sometimes used (Sodium bicarb)