Serum procalcitonin levels are associated with rhabdomyolysis following exertional heatstroke: an over 10-year intensive care survey

BACKGROUND:Heatstroke has become a common emergency event in hospitals.Procalcitonin(PCT)is used as a biomarker of infection in the emergency department(ED),but its role in rhabdomyolysis(RM)following exertional heatstroke(EHS)remains unclear.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with EHS from the intensive care unit(ICU).We collected RM biomarkers,inflammation markers,critical disease scores at admission,24 h,48 h,and discharge,and 90-day mortality.Correlation analysis,linear regression and curve fi tting were used to identify the relationship between PCT and RM.RESULTS:A total of 162 patients were recruited and divided into RM(n=56)and non-RM(n=106)groups.PCT was positively correlated with myoglobin(Mb),acute hepatic injury,disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)score,with correlation coefficients of 0.214,0.237,0.285,0.454,and 0.368,respectively(all P<0.05).Interestingly,the results of curve fi tting revealed a nonlinear relationship between PCT and RM,and a two-piecewise linear regression model showed that PCT was related to RM with an odds ratio of 1.3 and a cut-off of<4.6 ng/mL.Survival analysis revealed that RM was associated with higher mortality compared to non-RM cases(P=0.0093).CONCLUSION:High serum PCT concentrations are associated with RM after EHS in critically ill patients.Elevated PCT concentrations should be interpreted cautiously in patients with EHS in the ED.

Rhabdomyolysis-related acute kidney injury in patients with COVID- 19

BACKGROUND Viral and bacterial infections may be complicated by rhabdomyolysis,which has a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic laboratory abnor-malities to life-threatening conditions such as renal failure.Direct viral injury as well as inflammatory responses may cause rhabdomyolysis in the course of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).When presented with acute kidney injury(AKI),rhabdomyolysis may be related to higher morbidity and mortality.AIM To compare rhabdomyolysis-related AKI with other AKIs during COVID-19.METHODS A total of 115 patients with COVID-19 who had AKI were evaluated retrospec-tively.Fifteen patients had a definite diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis(i.e.,creatine kinase levels increased to>5 times the upper normal range with a concomitant increase in transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase).These patients were aged 61.0±19.1 years and their baseline creatinine levels were 0.87±0.13 mg/dL.Patients were treated according to national COVID-19 treatment guidelines.They were compared with patients with COVID-19 who had AKI due to other reasons.RESULTS For patients with rhabdomyolysis,creatinine reached 2.47±1.17 mg/dL during follow-up in hospital.Of these patients,13.3%had AKI upon hospital admission,and 86.4%developed AKI during hospital follow-up.Their peak C-reactive protein reached as high as 253.2±80.6 mg/L and was higher than in patients with AKI due to other reasons(P<0.01).Peak ferritin and procalcitonin levels were also higher for patients with rhabdomyolysis(P=0.02 and P=0.002,respective-ly).The mortality of patients with rhabdomyolysis was calculated as 73.3%,which was higher than in other patients with AKI(18.1%)(P=0.001).CONCLUSION Rhabdomyolysis was present in 13.0%of the patients who had AKI during COVID-19 infection.Rhabdomyolysis-related AKI is more proinflammatory and has a more mortal clinical course.

Understanding rhabdomyolysis induced acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19

This work comments on an article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Virology.Rhabdomyolysis is a complex condition with symptoms such as myalgia,changes to urination,and weakness.With the potential for substantial kidney impairment,it has also been shown to be a severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).To date,various theoretical explanations exist for the development of rhabdomyolysis induced acute kidney injury(RIAKI)in COVID-19 infection,including the accumulation of released striated muscle myoglobin in the urine(myoglobinuria).In their article,they(2024)demonstrate in a retrospective study that RIAKI in COVID-19 patients tended to have elevated levels of C-reactive protein,ferritin,and procalcitonin.These patients also had poorer overall prognoses when compared to COVID-19 patients who have acute kidney injury(AKI)due to other causes.It is clear from these findings that clinicians must closely monitor and assess for the presence of rhabdomyolysis in COVID-19 patients who have developed AKIs.Moreover,additional research is required to further understand the mechanisms behind the development of RIAKI in COVID-19 patients in order to better inform treatment guidelines and protocols.

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The exRML (exertional rhabdomyolysis) is a pathophysiologic condition of skeletal muscle cell damage and breakdown associated with high intensity or prolonged exercise, normal exercise under extreme circumstances, or sudden and excessive skeletal muscle contraction. It may manifest from the increase in CK (creatine kinase) or MYO (myoglobin), a protein that can cause life-threatening injury to the kidney (AKI, acute kidney injury), and may or may not be associated with myoglobinuria. Here, we presented a case of exRML with AKI, and then reviewed the related reports. Vigorous hydration, sodium bicarbonate and furosemide are key treatments. Aim: To examine an elderly patient with exRML induced AKI and the key treatment process. Case summary: A 61-year-old man left our hospital without permission after his admission and has been walking for almost 30 kms with no water and food intake, then was diagnosed exRML and exRML induced AKI with an obvious elevation of CK, MYO and decrease of eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) after coming back, and was treated with vigorous hydration, loop diuresis, sodium bicarbonate, prostaglandin and Shenkang injection. After vigorous resuscitation, the patient’s renal function, CK and MYO returned normal. Conclusions: The exRML can cause serious complications such as AKI and death. Delayed diagnosis can be critical;therefore, manner of time should be taken to achieve a favorable prognosis.

Clinical Case Report of Acute Heart Injury and Acute Rhabdomyolysis Due to Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning is one of the most dangerous poisonings, and it can be absorbed into the body through the mouth, inhalation and through the skin. A 32-year-old female patient was admitted to our poison control center because of high fever, severe vomiting, and seizures. Physical examination found that the patient was drowsy, had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, pulse of 140 beats/minute, and increased tendon and bone reflexes. Exploiting the patient’s information, it was discovered that the patient bought Cyanide to drink with the intention of committing suicide. The patient was quickly treated with gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Echocardiography recorded EF: 35%, reduced movement of the entire myocardium. CK blood test: 4562 U/L. The patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated and the patient was made ECMO, IHD and CVVHDF. After 3 days of treatment, the patient’s condition did not improve, so the family asked for the patient to go home. This article aims to describe the rapidly progressing and severe damage to the heart and muscles of patients with cyanide poisoning.

Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis mechanisms and prevention:A literature review

Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis(exRML), a pathophysiological condition of skeletal muscle cell damage that may cause acute renal failure and in some cases death. Increased Ca^(2+) level in cells along with functional degradation of cell signaling system and cell matrix have been suggested as the major pathological mechanisms associated with exRML. The onset of exRML may be exhibited in athletes as well as in general population. Previous studies have reported that possible causes of exRML were associated with excessive eccentric contractions in high temperature, abnormal electrolytes balance, and nutritional deficiencies possible genetic defects. However, the underlying mechanisms of exRML have not been clearly established among health professionals or sports medicine personnel. Therefore, we reviewed the possible mechanisms and correlated prevention of exRML, while providing useful and practical information for the athlete and general exercising population.

Abnormal liver function tests associated with severe rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle injury with release of cellular constituents such as potassium,phosphate,urate and intracellular proteins such as myoglobin into the circulation,which may cause complications including acute kidney injury,electrolyte disturbance and cardiac instability.Abnormal liver function tests are frequently observed in cases of severe rhabdomyolysis.Typically,there is an increase in serum aminotransferases,namely aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.This raises the question of liver injury and often triggers a pathway of investigation which may lead to a liver biopsy.However,muscle can also be a source of the increased aminotransferase activity.This review discusses the dilemma of finding abnormal liver function tests in the setting of muscle injury and the potential implications of such an association.It delves into some of the clinical and experimental evidence for correlating muscle injury to raised aminotransferases,and discusses pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress which may cause actual liver injury.Serum aminotransferases lack tissue specificity to allow clinicians to distinguish primary liver injury from muscle injury.This review also explores potential approaches to improve the accuracy of our diagnostic tools,so that excessive or unnecessary liver investigations can be avoided.

Liquorice-induced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis with Gitelman syndrome and diabetes: A case report

BACKGROUND Licorice-induced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis is clinically rare. Gitelman syndrome(GS) is the most common inherited renal tubular disease, while diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Recently, some studies have found that GS patients had higher diabetic morbidity. However, the coexistence of these three diseases has yet to be reported.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 62-year-old Chinese man who was admitted with weakness in the extremities, muscle pain, and dark-colored urine. He had consumed liquorice water daily for seven days prior to admission. The laboratory tests revealed a serum potassium level of 1.84 mmol/L, magnesium 0.68 mmol/L, creatinine phosphokinase(CK) 10117 IU/L, and marked hemoglobinuria. Fractional chloride excretion and fractional magnesium excretion were increased. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were within the normal ranges. Sequence analysis of the SLC12 A3 gene revealed that he had compound heterozygous mutations. The diagnosis of liquoriceinduced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis with GS and diabetes was thus genetically confirmed. Serum potassium and CK quickly improved with potassium replacement therapy, hydration, and discontinuation of liquorice ingestion. Upon follow-up at 3 mo, the levels of CK, myoglobin, and potassium remained normal, and magnesium was above 0.6 mmol/L.CONCLUSION This case emphasizes that liquorice consumption and GS should be considered causes of hypokalemia and that the diabetic status of GS patients should be noted in the clinic.

A rare case of hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis

A 68-year-old male was complained of chest pain for two years and fatigue for one week. He was admitted to other hospitals two years ago because of severe chest pain. A diagnosis of acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （NSTEMI） was made. But the coronary angiography was refused by himself. After effective conservative treatment, he got better and discharged. A regular administration of aspirin, metoprolol and simvastatin was taken. No recurrent sympotoms occurred. However, he felt fatigue and palpitation after 30-m walking one week ago without predisposing factors.

Rhabdomyolysis following severe hypokalemia caused by familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Rhabdomyolysis continues to appear with increasing frequency and represents a medical emergency requiring rapid appropriate treatment. One of the unusual causes of nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis is hypokalemic periodic paralysis without secondary causes. Primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare genetic disease characterized by episodic attacks of muscle weakness due to decreases in serum potassium. A 30-year-old woman who had 3 episodic attacks of hypokalemic periodic paralysis was admitted in emergency room with sudden onset symmetrical muscle weakness. After several hours, she started to complain myalgia and severe ache in both calves without any changes. Laboratory test showed markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase levels with hypokalemia, rhabdomyolysis resulting from hypokalemia was diagnosed. Here, we report an unusual case of rhabdomyolysis caused by severe hypokalemia, which was suggested a result of familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Rhabdomyolysis after midazolam administration in a cirrhotic patient treated with atorvastatin

The administration of statins in patients with liver disease is not an absolute contraindication. Hepatotoxicity is a rare and often dose-related event and in the literature there are only a few described cases of fatal rhab-domyolysis in patients with chronic liver disease after statin administration. During treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors,the factors responsible for myopathy may either be related to the patient,or due to interactions with other medications that are metabolic substrates of the same isozymes and therefore able to increase blood statin concentration. The most important side effects consist of increased transaminase levels,abdominal pain or muscle weakness,increased serum levels of creatine kinase and rhabdomyolysis. In this article we report a case of fatal rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure after gastric endoscopy,where midazolam was used as a sedation agent in a patient with chronic liver disease treated with a high dose of atorvastatin. Therefore,we suggest paying particular attention to the potential risks of associating atorvastatin and midazolam in patients with chronic liver disease who need to undergo gastric endoscopy.

Rhabdomyolysis induced by simvastatin-diltiazem interaction in unrecognized hypothyriodism

Simvastatin,a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor,is widely prescribed to patients with hypercholesteremia and its muscular toxicity has been widely reported.The metabolism of simvastatin depends on the enzymic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4 （CYP3A4） and inhibitors of CYP3A4 can result in clinical events by interacting with simvastatin.Diltiazem is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4,which is known to increase the serum concentration of simvastatin.Here we report a patient with unrecognized hypothyroidism who had been stable for more than one year on low-dose simvastatin therapy of hypercholesteremia and rhabdomyolysis occurred with the addition of diltiazem.This is one of scanty reports of rhabdomyolysis induced by simvastatindiltiazem drug interaction,especially in hypothyroid patient.This case reminds the clinicians that although diltiazem as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor can be used cautiously with small doses of CYP3A4-dependent statius （eg,simvastatin）,these two commonly used drugs should be avoided in hypothyroid patient.

Three Cases of Rhabdomyolysis Induced by Viral Infections in Children and Literature Review

The clinical data of 3 patients with rhabdomyolysis(RM)caused by different viral infections were retrospectively reviewed.The diagnoses were established according to the clinical symptoms,physical signs,myocardial enzymes,and muscle biopsy.Case 1 was a 11-year-old boy with influenza A virus infection,whose major symptoms were fever,cough and myalgia.After the treatment of active anti-virus,hydration,and alkalinization,the patient completely recovered.Case 2 was a 10-year-old girl with Epstein-Barr(EB)virus infection who had significant musculoskeletal pain and muscle weakness symptoms with significantly elevated serum creatine kinase.After active hydration and anti-infective treatment,the patient s condition returned to normal.Case 3 was a 15-year・old boy with human cytomegalovirus infection,whose symptoms were mainly repeated fever,accompanied by myalgia and facial edema.Antibacterial therapy was ineffective,and the disease progressed with respiratory muscle weakness and multiple organ injuries.After antiviral treatment,respiratory support and hemofiltration,the symptoms relieved and patient recovered without sequela.With literature review,we believe that although influenza virus,Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus rarely cause RM in children,it should be attached attention to.With early diagnosis and treatment,the prognosis is favorable.

Rhabdomyolysis with different etiologies in childhood

AIM To investigate different etiologies and management of the rhabdomyolysis in children.METHODS Eight pediatric rhabdomyolysis cases who applied to the Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatric Nephrology with different etiologies between January 2004 and January 2012 were evaluated in terms of age, gender, admission symptoms, physical examination findings, factors provoking rhabdomyolysis, number of rhabdomyolysis attacks, laboratory results, family history and the final diagnosis received after the treatment. RESULTS Average diagnosis ages of eight cases were 129(24-192) ± 75.5 mo and five of them were girls. All of them had applied with the complaint of muscle pain, calf pain, and dark color urination. Infection(pneumonia) and excessive physical activity were the most important provocative factors and excessive licorice consumption was observed in one case. In 5 cases, acute kidney injury was determined and two cases needed hemodialysis. As a result of the further examinations; the cases had received diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae, sepsis associated rhabdomyolysis, licorice-induced hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis, carnitine palmitoyltransferase Ⅱ deficiency, very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital muscular dystrophy and idiopathic paroxysmal rhabdomyolysis(Meyer-Betz syndrome).CONCLUSION It is important to distinguish the sporadic and recurrent rhabdomyolysis cases from each other. Recurrent rhabdomyolysis cases should follow up more regardful and attentive.

Exertional rhabdomyolysis and heat stroke: Beware of volatile anesthetic sedation

In view of the enormous popularity of mass sporting events such as half-marathons, the number of patients with exertional rhabdomyolysis or exercise-induced heat stroke admitted to intensive care units(ICUs) has increased over the last decade. Because these patients have been reported to be at risk for malignant hyperthermia during general anesthesia, the intensive care community should bear in mind that the same risk of life-threatening rhabdomyolysis is present when these patients are admitted to an ICU, and volatile anesthetic sedation is chosen as the sedative technique. As illustrated by the three case studies we elaborate upon, a thorough diagnostic work-up is needed to clarify the subsequent risk of strenuous exercise, and the anesthetic exposure to volatile agents in these patients and their families. Other contraindications for the use of volatile intensive care sedation consist of known malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, congenital myopathies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and intracranial hypertension.

Community-acquired pneumonia complicated by rhabdomyolysis: A clinical analysis of 11 cases

BACKGROUND In clinical practice, community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) can be complicated by rhabdomyolysis(RM), and RM symptoms are mild and easily missed during diagnosis. Moreover, available data on RM induced by CAP are mainly from case reports. Due to the relatively low incidence of CAP-induced RM, more systematic studies are required to understand the characteristics of CAP-induced RM to improve its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with CAP-induced RM.METHODS This was a retrospective study of 11 patients with CAP-induced RM. Baseline characteristics, diagnostic work-up, and laboratory test results were summarized and compared with those of 48 patients with exercise-induced RM admitted during the same period.RESULTS CAP-induced RM was more common in men, and affected older patients compared to those with exercise-induced RM. However, the average age of the patients in this study was lower than the age of peak incidence of CAP in adults in China. The major clinical manifestations were high fever and respiratory symptoms. RM symptoms were mild and often overlooked. Patients with CAP-induced RM had elevated inflammatory parameters, respiratory alkalosis,relatively low serum potassium levels and often had abnormalities in hepatic and renal function and cardiac enzymes. Compared with the exercise group, the pneumonia group had lower levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin, a higher incidence of acute kidney injury, and worse renal function and prognosis.Adverse events were mainly related to the severity of CAP.CONCLUSION CAP-induced RM has different clinical characteristics from those of exerciseinduced RM. Early detection and treatment could reduce complications and consequently shorten the treatment course.

Rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome and thermal injury

Rhabdomyolysis(RML) after electrical burns and crush injuries is a well-known clinical entity, but its occurrence following thermal injury has not gained so much attention. Capillary leak syndrome and following polycompartmental syndrome are devastating end results of major thermal injuries. In the current review, polycompartment syndrome within the clinical picture of systemic oedema and its relationship to RML is discussed along with its management and prevention.

Myositis and rhabdomyolysis in scrub typhus infection: A case report

Rationale:Fever with myositis and rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management.Scrub typhus associated myositis with rhabdomyolysis is rare.Patient concerns:A 36-year-old female presented with intermittent fever up to 38.6℃,jaundice and progressive weakness of all four limbs.Diagnosis:Scrub typhus associated myositis and rhabdomyolysis.Intervention:Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily and injection of ceftriaxone 1 gm twice daily along with continuous intravenous fluids.Outcome:Fever resolved with normalization of liver function and recovery of muscle power.Lessons:Presence of myositis and rhabdomyolysis is uncommon in scrub typhus;high clinical suspicion should be kept in patients with atypical manifestations of scrub typhus.

Primary hypoparathyroidism accompanied by rhabdomyolysis induced by infection: A case report

BACKGROUND Primary hypoparathyroidism(HPT)is rarely seen in the clinic,and it can be combined with rhabdomyolysis.There are few reports about this phenomenon.Therefore,it is significant to explore the etiology that is conducive to early diagnosis,timely treatment,and preventing the recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a severe upper respiratory tract infection and progressing decreased myodynamia of the lower limbs.Blood tests showed creatine kinase>32000 U/L,creatinine 207.8μmol/L,calcium 1.28 mmol/L,myoglobin 558.7 ng/mL,and parathyroid hormone 0 pg/mL.He was diagnosed with primary HPT with rhabdomyolysis,and severe upper respiratory tract infection was considered to be the initial trigger.He responded well to supplementation of intravenous calcium gluconate and oral calcium as well as bedside hemodialysis,fluid hydration,infection control,protecting the liver,etc.Creatine kinase,myoglobin,and serum calcium returned to normal,and muscle strength improved significantly.Symptoms improved after symptomatic treatment.CONCLUSION Severe infection should be prevented,which is the key cause of rhabdomyolysis in patients with HPT.

<i>Serratia marcescens</i>Rhabdomyolysis

Serratia marcescens has been recognized as an important cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. To our knowledge, we describe the first case of S. marcescens rhabdomyolysis, most probably related to acute cholecystitis and secondary bacteremia. The condition was successfully managed with levofloxacin. Keeping in mind the relevant morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial rhabdomyolysis, physicians should consider this possibility in patients with suspected or proven bacterial disease. We suggest S. marcescens should be regarded as a new causative agent of infectious rhabdomyolysis.