Essay On Rhabdomyolysis
1. Rhabdomyolysis is the condition which occurs when skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, resulting in the release of myoglobin into the blood stream. As the kidneys process the myoglobin, it is further broken down into substances which can be damaging to the kidneys., eventually leading to kidney failure. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include dark reddish or brownish urine, decrease in output of urine, muscle stiffness and/or aching in the muscles, tenderness of affected muscles, general feeling of weakness, fatigue, seizure, and joint pain.
Causes of rhabdomyolysis include but are not limited to: muscle damage from traumatic injuries such as being struck by lightning or extensive full-thickness burns, crushing injuries, extreme changes in body tempature (hypothermia or heatstroke), severe dehydration, alcohol abuse, prolonged physical exertion (such as running a marathon or increasingly commonly among crossfit athletes), severe seizures or muscle tremors, low phosphate levels, genetic muscle conditions, and drug use (including steroids, cocaine, PCP and others). It may also be caused by …show more content…
Rhabdomyolysis can tentatively be diagnosed through physical examination which can find muscle weakness or damage. More extensive and definitive tests include urinalysis or urine myoglobin test, creatine kinase (CK) level test, and through blood tests like serum calcium, serum myoglobin, and serum potassium. Ammonia and lactic acid blood levels should also be tested.
3. Treatment of rhabdomyolysis focuses on protecting and preserving kidneys and kidney function. Bicarbonate fluids may be given orally or intravenously. In advanced cases, some patients may require kidney dialysis.
4. Depending on the severity of kidney damage, rhabdomyolysis may be fatal. Many patients with rhabdomyolysis experience acute kidney failure, generally resulting in permanent kidney damage. However, if caught early on, the patient may recover fully and return to normal activities within a few
Causes of rhabdomyolysis include but are not limited to: muscle damage from traumatic injuries such as being struck by lightning or extensive full-thickness burns, crushing injuries, extreme changes in body tempature (hypothermia or heatstroke), severe dehydration, alcohol abuse, prolonged physical exertion (such as running a marathon or increasingly commonly among crossfit athletes), severe seizures or muscle tremors, low phosphate levels, genetic muscle conditions, and drug use (including steroids, cocaine, PCP and others). It may also be caused by …show more content…
Rhabdomyolysis can tentatively be diagnosed through physical examination which can find muscle weakness or damage. More extensive and definitive tests include urinalysis or urine myoglobin test, creatine kinase (CK) level test, and through blood tests like serum calcium, serum myoglobin, and serum potassium. Ammonia and lactic acid blood levels should also be tested.
3. Treatment of rhabdomyolysis focuses on protecting and preserving kidneys and kidney function. Bicarbonate fluids may be given orally or intravenously. In advanced cases, some patients may require kidney dialysis.
4. Depending on the severity of kidney damage, rhabdomyolysis may be fatal. Many patients with rhabdomyolysis experience acute kidney failure, generally resulting in permanent kidney damage. However, if caught early on, the patient may recover fully and return to normal activities within a few