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Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious disorder that causes kidney damage resulting from toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells. Myoglobin is an iron-containing pigment found in the skeletal muscle. When the skeletal muscle is damaged, the myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. Myoglobin may obstruct the structures of the kidney, causing damage such as acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure.

Myoglobin breaks down into potentially toxic compounds, which will also cause kidney failure. It is important to treat Rhabdomyolysis quickly. Early and aggressive hydration may prevent complications by rapidly eliminating the myoglobin out of the kidneys. The hydration needs with muscle necrosis may approximate the massive fluid volume needs of a severely burned patient. This may involve intravenous administration of several liters of fluid until the condition stabilizes.

Diuretic medications such as mannitol or furosemide may aid in flushing the pigment out of the kidneys. If the urine output is sufficient, bicarbonate may be given to maintain an alkaline urine state. This helps to prevent the dissociation of myoglobin into toxic compounds.

Rhabdomyolysis results from any condition that causes significant muscle damage. These include:

• Certain muscle diseases
• Severe muscle injuries (e.g., crush injury)
• Overuse of alcohol or illicit drugs
• Use of some prescription drugs
• Severe seizures or convulsions

If you or a loved one has taken the Statin drugs, Baycol or Crestor and have been diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified defective drug attorney.