Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis>

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REMEMBER:

"This rare but potentially life-threatening side-effect..."
(from commercials for statin drugs)

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Myoglobin: muscle protein

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WHAT IS RHABDOMYOLYSIS?

The word means breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. It can occur as a consequence of severe muscle injuries, severe overexertion, severe epilepsy, certain toxins from organisms, prolonged immobilization such as coma, overwhelming of the detoxification systems of the body by pharmaceutical agents or combinations, and other factors.

It is potentially very serious because of the accumulation of breakdown products in the kidneys and other tissues and the release of electrolytes into the circulation. Emergency management is required.

The initial therapies are to support vital functions, locate and remove the cause, and protect the healthy tissues of the body from the breakdown products. After stabilization, the symptoms may completely subside in time. However, the literature has a number of cases of recurrence so care must be taken.

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Normal muscle tissue