Rhabdomyolysis is a condition of the breakdown of muscle fibers. Causes of rhabdomyolysis include injury to skeletal muscles. Injuries can be the common causes of leakage of toxic contents into plasma. Such substances can harm the kidneys. These conditions can also be among the causes of kidney damage. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent damage to the skeletal muscles.
Intravenous intake of fluids containing bicarbonate can prevent kidney damage. The doctor may prescribe medication like diuretics and bicarbonate to prevent or treat the damage. Prognosis of the disease depends upon the severity of kidney damage. Early treatment can reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage.
Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis
Some symptoms associated with rhabdomyolysis are as follows:
- General weakness
- Dark, red, or cola-colored urine
- Muscle tenderness
- Weakness in muscles
- Decreased urine output
- Muscle stiffness
Other symptoms that may occur due to rhabdomyolysis include seizures, fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain. Physical examination can determine tenderness or damage of skeletal muscles. Urinalysis, CK level, serum potassium, urine myoglobin test, and serum calcium are some tests used to identify this condition.
Causes of Rhabdomyolysis
There can be many causes of rhabdomyolysis. Some common causes are mentioned below:
Muscle damage leads to the release of myoglobin protein from the muscle into the blood stream. When the kidneys filter out excess myoglobin protein, it can damage the kidneys. Breakdown of myoglobin can damage the kidneys by obstructing the functioning of kidneys.
- Either an injury or any other condition that damages skeletal muscles may be among the most common causes of rhabdomyolysis.
- Using medications or recreational drugs such as statins, cocaine, or amphetamines are other causes of rhabdomyolysis. Medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol, pravastatin, atorvastatin, such as statins may be the causes of the development of this disease. High doses of statins can cause rhabdomyolysis.
- Seizures or muscle tremors can be other causes. A genetic muscle disease may also be among the causes of rhabdomyolysis.
- Trauma or crash injury, ischemia or death of muscle tissue and extreme body temperature may also be some of the causes of rhabdomyolysis.
- Other causes of rhabdomyolysis include severe dehydration, severe exertion, low phosphate levels, and lengthy surgical procedures.
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