Rhabdomyolysis overview

Rhabdomyolysis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue due to traumatic injury, either mechanical, physical, or chemical. The principal result is a large release of the creatine kinase (CK) enzymes and other cell byproducts into the blood system and acute renal failure due to accumulation of muscle breakdown products, several of which are injurious to the kidney. Treatment is with intravenous fluids, and dialysis if necessary.

Causes

Injuries leading to rhabdomyolysis can be due to mechanical, physical, and chemical causes.