Acute pediatric rhabdomyolysis

Case report: Rhabdomyolysis in children in acute and chronic disease-a challenging condition in pediatric emergency medicine

Rhabdomyolysis is a challenging condition in pediatric emergency departments (PED): It ranges from asymptomatic illness with isolated elevation of creatine kinase (CK) levels to a life-threatening condition associated with extreme elevations in CK, electrolyte imbalances, circulatory failure (CF), acute kidney injury (AKI), and multi-organ disease. Most common causes of rhabdomyolysis are viral myositis and trauma, hereditary metabolic myopathies must be considered when facing rhabdomyolysis in early childhood. We report two cases of severe rhabdomyolysis with CF in our PED, thereby summarizing first-line management of rhabdomyolysis.

Acute Rhabdomyolysis in a Child with Multiple Suspicious Gene Variants

Rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed with creatinine kinase (CK) elevation beyond 1000 U/L or ten times above the normal upper limit. Severe episodes can be fatal from electrolyte imbalance, acute renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A 13-month-old child was admitted with a CK of 82,090 U/L in the setting of respiratory tract infection-related hyperthermia of 106.9° farenheit. His medical history was significant for prematurity, dystonia, and recurrent rhabdomyolysis. His home medications clonazepam, clonidine, and baclofen were continued upon admission. He exhibited uncontrolled dystonia despite treatment for dystonia. Therefore, sedative infusions and forced alkaline diuresis were begun to prevent heme pigment-induced renal injury. Despite these interventions, his CK peaked at 145,920 U/L, which is rarely reported in this age group. The patient also developed pulmonary edema despite diuresis and required mechanical ventilation. Sedative infusions were not enough for dystonia management, and he needed the addition of a neuromuscular blocking infusion. He finally responded to these interventions, and the CK normalized after a month. He required a month of mechanical ventilation and two and a half months of hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation. We were able to avert renal replacement therapy despite pulmonary edema and an estimated glomerular filtration rate nadir of 21 mL/min/1.73 m2 based on the bedside Schwartz formula. He made a complete recovery and was discharged home. His growth and development were satisfactory for two years after that event. His extensive diagnostic workup was negative. Unfortunately, he died from septic and cardiogenic shock with mild rhabdomyolysis two years later. Prompt recognition, early institution of appropriate therapies, identification of underlying disease, and triggering events are pivotal in rhabdomyolysis management. Evidence-based guidelines are needed in this context.

Trends in Pediatric Rhabdomyolysis and Associated Renal Failure: A 10-Year Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES

Rhabdomyolysis in children is a highly variable condition with presentations ranging from myalgias to more severe complications like acute renal failure. We sought to explore demographics and incidence of pediatric rhabdomyolysis hospitalizations and rates of associated renal failure, as our current understanding is limited.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database to identify children hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Data were analyzed for demographic characteristics, as well as geographic and temporal trends. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with rhabdomyolysis-associated acute renal failure.

RESULTS

From 2006 to 2016, there were 8599 hospitalized children with a primary diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Overall, hospitalizations for pediatric rhabdomyolysis are increasing over time, with geographic peaks in the South and Northeast regions, and seasonal peaks in March and August. Though renal morbidity was diagnosed in 8.5% of children requiring hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, very few of these patients required renal replacement therapy (0.41%), and death was rare (0.03%). Characteristics associated with renal failure included male sex, age greater than 15 years, and non-Hispanic Black race.

CONCLUSIONS

Though renal failure occurs at a significant rate in children hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, severe complications, including death, are rare. The number of children hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis varies by geographic region and month of the year. Future studies are needed to explore etiologies of rhabdomyolysis and laboratory values that predict higher risk of morbidity and mortality in children with rhabdomyolysis.

Protective effect of calcitriol on rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Glycerol injection in rats can lead to rhabdomyolysis, with the release of the intracellular muscle content to the extracellular compartment and acute kidney injury (AKI). Oxidative stress and the inflammatory processes contribute to the disturbances in renal function and structure observed in this model. This study evaluated the effect of calcitriol administration in AKI induced by rhabdomyolysis and its relationship with oxidative damage and inflammatory process. Male Wistar Hannover rats were treated with calcitriol (6 ng/day) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) for 7 days and were injected with 50% glycerol or saline 3 days after the beginning of calcitriol or saline administration. Four days after glycerol or saline injection, urine, plasma and renal tissue samples were collected for renal function and structural analysis. The oxidative stress and the inflammatory processes were also evaluated. Glycerol-injected rats presented increased sodium fractional excretion and decreased glomerular filtration rates. These alterations were associated with tubular injury in the renal cortex. These animals also presented increased oxidative damage, apoptosis, inflammation, higher urinary excretion of vitamin D-binding protein and decreased cubilin expression in renal tissue. All these alterations were less intense in calcitriol-treated animals. This effect was associated with decreases in oxidative damage and inflammation.

Acute kidney injury in pediatric patients with rhabdomyolysis

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical findings in pediatric rhabdomyolysis and the predictive factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in Korean children.

Methods

Medical records of 39 Korean children, who were newly diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis from January 2008 to December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnosis was made from the medical history, elevated serum creatinine kinase level >1,000 IU/L, and plasma myoglobin level >150 ng/mL. Patients with muscular dystrophy and myocardial infarction were excluded.

Results

The median patient age at diagnosis was 14.0 years (range, 3–18 years), and the male to female ratio was 2.5. The most common presenting symptom was myalgia (n=25, 64.1%), and 14 patients (35.9%) had rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. Eighteen patients (46.2%) had underlying diseases, such as epilepsy and psychotic disorders. Ten of these patients showed rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. The common causes of rhabdomyolysis were infection (n=12, 30.7%), exercise (n=9, 23.1%), and trauma (n=8, 20.5%). There was no difference in the distribution of etiology between AKI and non-AKI groups. Five patients in the AKI group showed complete recovery of renal function after stopping renal replacement therapy. The median length of hospitalization was 7.0 days, and no mortality was reported. Compared with the non-AKI group, the AKI group showed higher levels of peak creatinine kinase and myoglobin, without statistical significance.

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of pediatric rhabdomyolysis differ from those observed in adult patients. Children with underlying diseases are more vulnerable to rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. AKI more likely develops in the presence of a high degree of albuminuria.

[Acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis in children: a clinical analysis of 26 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of acute renal failure (ARF) caused by rhabdomyolysis (RM) in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data, laboratory examination, and prognosis of 26 RM children with ARF.

RESULTS

The causes for all 26 RM children with ARF were non-traumatic diseases, and the three most common causes were infection (69%), diabetes (12%), and metabolic disease (8%). In the RM children with ARF, the five most frequent clinical manifestations were fever (69%), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (69%), convulsion (46%), oliguria or anuria (35%), and tea-colored urine (27%). All 26 children had a serum creatine kinase (CK) level of >1 000 IU/L, among whom 26 had increased aspartate aminotransferase, 25 had increased alanine aminotransferase, 25 had increased creatine kinase isoenzyme, and 23 had increased lactate dehydrogenase. Serum myoglobin (Mb) was measured in 22 children and was found to increase in all these children. The mean time for CK to decrease to below 1 000 IU/L was 10±5 d. There was no significant difference in the time to CK recovery between the 10 children who were treated with conventional treatment as well as continuous venous-venous hemofiltration and those who were not treated with blood purification (P>0.05). Of all 26 RM children with ARF, 7 were withdrawn from the treatment, and 19 had normal renal function after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

ARF and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome are major complications in RM children. The major primary disease for RM children with ARF is infectious disease. CK is the major marker for the diagnosis of RM. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may reverse ARF and improve prognosis.

Rhabdomyolysis after High Intensity Resistance Training

Rhabdomyolysis, which is a characteristic occurrence in associated with muscle cell necrosis, develops due to various causes. We herein report a rare case of a patient with rhabdomyolysis after high intensity resistance training, in which markedly elevated levels of serum creatine kinase (CK) and urine myoglobin were observed. A previously healthy 37-year-old man presented with severe myalgia and dark urine after performing high-intensity exercise. The patient's serum CK level was 95,100 U/L and his urine myoglobin level was 160,000 ng/mL. His symptoms and laboratory findings gradually improved with the intravenous administration of saline and no complications (including electrolyte imbalance and acute renal failure) developed.

A diagnostic approach to recurrent myalgia and rhabdomyolysis in children

Episodic myalgia is a common complaint in children and young adults. While many cases remain idiopathic even after extensive investigation, myalgia can be the first symptom of an underlying serious neuromuscular condition, and can be associated with an increased risk of such serious complications as rhabdomyolysis and malignant hyperthermia. We review and highlight the metabolic myopathies and other increasingly recognised muscle disorders that may present to paediatricians with episodic myalgia or isolated episodes of rhabdomyolysis, and propose a diagnostic algorithm for investigation of these complaints.

Six-Digit CPK and Mildly Affected Renal Function in McArdle Disease

A previously healthy, white 12-year-old girl presented with diffuse body aches and poor perfusion. She developed severe respiratory failure and marked rhabdomyolysis and was mechanically ventilated. Although her CPK peaked at 500,000 IU/L, her renal function was mildly affected and her creatinine did not exceed the 0.8 mg/dL. The rhabdomyolysis was gradually resolved following aggressive fluid hydration. The patient did not require dialysis and made a complete recovery. Genetic studies revealed the diagnosis of McArdle disease.

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for rhabdomyolysis

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that is characterised by the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and leakage of intracellular myocyte contents into circulating blood. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and is a potentially life-threatening condition. Studies have indicated that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may provide benefits for people with rhabdomyolysis by removing potentially damaging myoglobin and stabilising haemodynamic and metabolic status.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to: i) assess the efficacy of CRRT in removing myoglobin; ii) investigate the influence of CRRT on mortality and kidney-related outcomes; and iii) evaluate the safety of CRRT for the treatment of people with rhabdomyolysis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 6 January 2014 through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (from 1 January 1979 to 16 April 2013) and the Chinese Clinical Trials Register (to 16 April 2013).

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that investigated clinical outcomes of CRRT for people with rhabdomyolysis were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We derived risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data and mean differences (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Methodological risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the three included studies (101 participants), one evaluated continuous arteriovenous haemodialysis and two investigated continuous venovenous haemofiltration; all included conventional therapy as control.We found significant decreases in myoglobin in patients among whom CRRT therapy was initiated on days four, eight, and 10 (day 4: MD -11.00 (μg/L), 95% CI -20.65 to -1.35; Day 8: MD -23.00 (μg/L), 95% CI -30.92 to -15.08; day 10: MD -341.87 (μg/L), 95% CI -626.15 to -57.59) compared with those who underwent conventional therapy.Although CRRT was associated with improved serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and potassium levels; reduced duration of the oliguria phase; and was associated with reduced time in hospital, no significant differences were found in mortality rates compared with conventional therapy (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.37). The included studies did not report on long-term outcomes or prevention of AKI.Overall, we found that study quality was suboptimal: blinding and randomisation allocation were not reported by any of the included studies, leading to the possibility of selection, performance and detection bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although CRRT may provide some benefits for people with rhabdomyolysis, the poor methodological quality of the included studies and lack of data relating to clinically important outcomes limited our findings about the effectiveness of CRRT for people with rhabdomyolysis.There was insufficient evidence to discern any likely benefits of CRRT over conventional therapy for people with rhabdomyolysis and prevention of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

Rhabdomyolysis: review of the literature

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. Although consensus criteria for rhabdomyolysis is lacking, a reasonable definition is elevation of serum creatine kinase activity of at least 10 times the upper limit of normal followed by a rapid decrease of the sCK level to (near) normal values. The clinical presentation can vary widely, classical features are myalgia, weakness and pigmenturia. However, this classic triad is seen in less than 10% of patients. Acute renal failure due to acute tubular necrosis as a result of mechanical obstruction by myoglobin is the most common complication, in particular if sCK is >16.000 IU/l, which may be as high as 100,000 IU/l. Mortality rate is approximately 10% and significantly higher in patients with acute renal failure. Timely recognition of rhabdomyolysis is key for treatment. In the acute phase, treatment should be aimed at preserving renal function, resolving compartment syndrome, restoring metabolic derangements, and volume replacement. Most patients experience only one episode of rhabdomyolysis, mostly by substance abuse, medication, trauma or epileptic seizures. In case of recurrent rhabdomyolysis, a history of exercise intolerance or a positive family history for neuromuscular disorders, further investigations are needed to identify the underlying, often genetic, disorder. We propose a diagnostic algorithm for use in clinical practice.

Status dystonicus: a practice guide

Status dystonicus is a rare, but life-threatening movement disorder emergency. Urgent assessment is required and management is tailored to patient characteristics and complications. The use of dystonia action plans and early recognition of worsening dystonia may potentially facilitate intervention or prevent progression to status dystonicus. However, for established status dystonicus, rapidly deployed temporizing measures and different depths of sedation in an intensive care unit or high dependency unit are the most immediate and effective modalities for abating life-threatening spasms, while dystonia-specific treatment takes effect. If refractory status dystonicus persists despite orally active anti-dystonia drugs and unsuccessful weaning from sedative or anaesthetic agents, early consideration of intrathecal baclofen or deep brain stimulation is required. During status dystonicus, precise documentation of dystonia sites and severity as well as the baseline clinical state, using rating scales and videos is recommended. Further published descriptions of the clinical nature, timing of evolution, resolution, and epidemiology of status dystonicus are essential for a better collective understanding of this poorly understood heterogeneous emergency. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical presentation and suggest a management approach for status dystonicus.

Clinical spectrum of rhabdomyolysis presented to pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that can develop from a variety of causes. The aim of the work is to analyze the clinical spectrum and to evaluate the prevalence of various etiologies in children, who present to the emergency department (ED) with rhabdomyolysis.

METHODS

During a 6-year study period, we retrospectively analyzed the medical charts of patients, aged 18 years or younger, with a definite diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and serum creatinine phosphokinase (CK) levels greater than 1000IU/L. We analyzed the clinical spectrum and evaluated the potential risk factors of acute renal failure (ARF).

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (mean age = 10.2 ± 5.5 years), including 26 males and 11 females, were enrolled in the study. Two of the most common presented symptoms in these 37 patients were muscle pain and muscle weakness (83.8% and 73%, respectively). Dark urine was reported in only 5.4% of the patients. The leading cause of rhabdomyolysis in the 0- to 9-year age group was presumed infection, and the leading cause in the 10- to 18-year age group was trauma and exercise. The incidence of ARF associated with rhabdomyolysis was 8.1 % and no child needed for renal replacement therapy (RRT). We did not identify any reliable predictors of ARF or need for RRT.

CONCLUSIONS

The classic triad of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis includes myalgia, weakness and dark urine are not always presented in children. The cause of rhabdomyolysis in younger age is different from that of teenager group. However, the prognosis of rhabdomyolysis was good with appropriate management.

Relationship of creatine kinase elevation and acute kidney injury in pediatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis following trauma has been associated with renal impairment. Nevertheless, the literature is scant in risk assessment of acute kidney injury (AKI) and survival in children experiencing posttraumatic rhabdomyolysis.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval was obtained, the registry of an urban trauma center was reviewed for pediatric (age < 18 years) trauma admissions with available creatine kinase (CK) values. Variables extracted included demographics and trauma severity indices along with serum creatine, CK, and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) values. AKI was defined per pediatric RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End stage) definition. Regression models were deployed to determine the independent risk factors for AKI and CK levels.

RESULTS

Overall, 521 patients constituted the study sample. AKI occurred in 70 patients (13.4%), with correlation to CK values in excess of 3,000 IU/L (41.4% vs. 4.9%, adjusted p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for AKI proved to be CK level of 3,000 or greater (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 11.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.56-26.64; p < 0.001), Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 15 or less (AOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.61), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less (AOR, 15.00; 95% CI, 4.98-44.94), abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of 3 or less (AOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.04-5.36), imaging studies with contrast of 3 or less (AOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.37-10.57), blunt mechanism of injury (AOR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.17-6.49), administration of nephrotoxic agents (AOR, 4.81; 95% CI, 1.23-18.79), and requirement for fluids administration in the emergency department (AOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.04-5.36). Mortality in the study sample with CK values of 3,000 or greater versus less than 3,000 IU/L did not reach statistical significance (25.0% vs. 9.3%, adjusted p = 0.787).

CONCLUSION

AKI in pediatric posttraumatic rhabdomyolysis occurs in 13% of trauma patients. CK values of 3,000 IU/L or greater pose a significant adjusted risk for AKI. Aggressive monitoring of CK values in pediatric trauma patients is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, level III.

Life-threatening rhabdomyolysis induced by Streptococcus bovis sepsis in a 6-year-old girl presented to the pediatric emergency department

Streptococcus bovis infection is an uncommon disease during infancy and childhood. Rhabdomyolysis is frequently a complication of a viral infection in children and typically has a benign course. It has rarely been reported as a complication in cases of bacterial infection, especially those caused by S. bovis. We describe a case of life-threatening rhabdomyolysis after a bacterial infection caused by S. bovis sepsis in a previously healthy 6-year-old girl who presented to our pediatric emergency department. She had an unusually high serum creatine kinase value (peak value, 436,449 IU/L), and she was successfully treated with adequate antibiotic treatment and effective renal replacement therapy. This case illustrates that, although uncommon, S. bovis can cause serious infections during childhood. Pediatric emergency physicians should be aware that uncommon organisms may be able to cause severe infections in susceptible children associated with life-threatening rhabdomyolysis.

Transient creatine phosphokinase elevations in children: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

To determine the etiologies and evolution of rhabdomyolysis in children.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective study of patients with rhabdomyolysis who were seen in our tertiary care university-affiliated pediatric hospital. Patients in outpatient clinics, seen in the emergency department, or admitted from 2001 to 2002 were selected. With a standardized case report form, we collected predetermined data from each patient's chart.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients with rhabdomyolysis were included in the study (male, 56%; mean age, 7.5 ± 5.9 years). The median elevation of creatine phosphokinase was 2207 IU/L (range, 1003 to 811 428 IU/L). The most frequent diagnoses were viral myositis (29, 22.3%), trauma (24, 18.4%), surgery (24, 18.4%), hypoxia (12 , 9.2%), and drug reaction (8, 6.2%). Metabolic myopathy was found only in one patient (0.8%). In 17 patients (13.1%), no definite diagnosis could be made.

CONCLUSIONS

Etiologies of rhabdomyolysis in children are varied and differ from those reported in adults. In most patients, rhabdomyolysis is benign and without recurrence. In our series, rhabdomyolysis was the initial symptom of a metabolic myopathy in only one patient.

Rhabdomyolysis as a postoperative complication of multilevel soft-tissue surgery in a child with cerebral palsy

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening syndrome if unrecognized. The most common causes are trauma, excessive muscle activity, alcohol abuse, and toxic substances. Rhabdomyolysis as a postoperative complication in children with cerebral palsy who have received multilevel soft-tissue surgery has not been reported in the literature. The purposes of this study are to present the case of a 12-year-old boy with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy who developed rhabdomyolysis after soft-tissue release and to review the literature. The patient was treated with adequate sedation and hydration, and discharged in a stable condition 11 days after surgery. His serum creatine kinase level had returned to within the normal range by the 17th postoperative day. At the 6-month follow-up, there were no systemic sequelae. The prompt recognition of rhabdomyolysis depends on a high level of suspicion. Routine checks of urine color after surgery is mandatory. For patients with high muscle tone, monitoring of muscle enzymes is recommended. Adequate sedation, pain control and hydration may prevent the progression of this life-threatening condition.

Acute kidney injury following hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis: complication of chronic heavy cola consumption in an adolescent boy

A 16-year-old boy presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) which was attributed to chronic heavy cola consumption. Habitual heavy cola ingestion might lead to hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis by its glycyrrhizin content. AKI has been described rarely in association with this clinical picture. It is important for physicians to keep heavy cola and other soft drink consumption in mind as a cause for hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis and AKI.

Factors associated with nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure of children in Taiwan population

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated nontrauma causes of rhabdomyolysis and the factors associated with the development of acute renal failure (ARF) of children in Taiwan. We also explored the sex and age characteristics of patients with rhabdomyolysis.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted of patients younger than 17 years who were treated between January 1997 and December 2006 with a final diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two patients (136 boys and 36 girls) with a mean age of 7.28 years were enrolled. The most common nontrauma causes of rhabdomyolysis were viral myositis (124, 72%), physical exertion (12, 6%), seizure disorder and sepsis (7, 4.1%). Of 172 patients, 15 (8.72%) developed ARF and 5 (3%) received hemodialysis therapy. Several clinical and laboratory factors, such as serum creatine phosphokinase and serum myoglobin, were statistically associated with the development of ARF.

CONCLUSIONS

The series confirmed our clinical expectation and showed that viral myositis accounted for more than half of the cases. Physical exertion was the second. Seizure disorder and sepsis were the third most frequent causes. These findings are consistent with other reports except seizure disorder. Serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin were reliable predictors for the development of ARF. We found that children with rhabdomyolysis due to seizure are at highest risk of developing ARF. Our findings also indicate that the rate of ARF with pediatric rhabdomyolysis is in fact much lower than reported previously (8.7%).

Factors associated with acute renal failure in children with rhabdomyolysis

Pigment nephropathy accounts for approximately 3% of all cases of acute renal failure (ARF) in children. Studies of risk factors associated with ARF and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children with rhabdomyolysis-associated pigment nephropathy consist of retrospective case series with variable inclusion criteria. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, initial fluid therapy, prevalence of ARF and the requirement for RRT in pediatric patients with acute rhabdomyolysis. Twenty-eight patients (19 male) with a mean age of 11.1 +/- 5.6 years were studied. Acute renal failure occurred in 11 patients (39%), seven of whom (64%) required RRT. Features associated with the need for RRT included history of fever, persistent oliguria, admission blood urea nitrogen level, creatinine, Ca(2+), K(+), bicarbonate and aspartate aminotransferase. Most of these factors are related to the level of renal insufficiency and degree of muscle injury. There was no difference in admission and peak creatine kinase (CK) levels between those who did or did not require RRT. However, all who required RRT had a peak CK level > 5000 U/L.

Rhabdomyolysis: a review of clinical presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and management

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results from many underlying etiologies and can present in a myriad of ways to the emergency physician. However, some clinical and laboratory features are almost always present and, if noted, can help in making the diagnosis. This review article will focus on the presenting symptoms, the various etiologies, the underlying mechanisms, and the current management of pediatric rhabdomyolysis.

Acute pediatric rhabdomyolysis: causes and rates of renal failure

OBJECTIVES

The goals were to (1) compare the causes, clinical presentation, and prevalence of acute renal failure in pediatric rhabdomyolysis with the published data for adults; (2) determine predictors of acute renal failure in pediatric patients with rhabdomyolysis; and (3) explore the relationship of acute renal failure with treatment modalities such as fluid and bicarbonate administration.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with creatinine kinase levels of > 1000 IU/L who were treated in the emergency department of a tertiary pediatric hospital between 1993 and 2003, and we constructed regression models.

RESULTS

Two hundred ten patients were studied. One hundred ninety-one patients met study eligibility (128 male and 63 female), with a median age of 11 years. The most common documented symptoms were muscle pain (45%), fever (40%), and symptoms of viral infection (39%). The most common causes of pediatric rhabdomyolysis were viral myositis (38%), trauma (26%), and connective tissue disease (5%). Six of 37 patients with creatinine kinase levels of > or = 6000 IU/L had previously undiagnosed dermatomyositis or hereditary metabolic disease, compared with 10 of 154 patients with creatinine kinase levels of 1000 to 5999 IU/L. Nine of 191 patients developed acute renal failure. None of 99 patients with initial urinary heme dipstick results of < 2+ developed acute renal failure, compared with 9 of 44 patients with urinary heme dipstick results of > or = 2+. Higher initial creatinine kinase levels and higher fluid administration rates were associated with higher maximal creatinine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The cause of acute pediatric rhabdomyolysis is different from that of adult rhabdomyolysis. The risk of acute renal failure in children is much less than the risk reported for adults.

An adolescent girl with Meyer-Betz syndrome

Idiopathic paroxysmal rhabdomyolysis indicating a classical triad of symptoms consisting of muscle pain, weakness, and discolored urine is known as "Meyer-Betz syndrome". It may result in acute renal failure due to precipitation of the myoglobin casts in the tubuli or to the direct toxic effects of myoglobin to the tubular epithelium. On the other hand, outcome may be uneventful. In this study, we reported the case of a 16-year-old girl who was admitted with red-colored urine after a slight exertion. She had tenderness and weakness in upper parts of her legs and bilateral flank pain. She had a positive urine dipstick test for heme despite absent red cells on microscopic examination. White cell count, liver function tests, serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and urine myoglobin levels were raised. All metabolic tests were in normal ranges and EMG was normal. A muscle biopsy performed after recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis attacks demonstrated normal findings and ruled out metabolic disorders. At the time of attacks, hydration along with alkalinization was applied and she did not experience renal failure. She was advised to avoid strenuous physical exertion and had an uneventful outcome for the last 5 months. We reported the clinical course and follow-up of an adolescent girl with Meyer-Betz syndrome.

Mild rhabdomyolysis in a child with fever and "hematuria"

Rhabdomyolysis represents a life-threatening condition, which results in release of cellular contents (myoglobin, enzymes, and electrolytes) into the plasma. We report a pediatric patient with mild rhabdomyolysis who had a favorable outcome. A 3-year-old girl had been ill for 2 days with high fever, anorexia, pain in both thighs, and passage of dark-red urine. Myoglobinuria was demonstrated by a "blood"-positive dipstick in the absence of red blood cells in the urinary sediment. Diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of a high serum creatine kinase activity. The child was treated on an outpatient basis and has shown full clinical and biochemical recovery. There has been no recurrence of myoglobinuria during the 2-year follow-up.

Rhabdomyolysis associated with gemfibrozil-colchicine therapy

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of rhabdomyolysis possibly due to combination therapy with colchicine and gemfibrozil.

CASE SUMMARY

A 40-year-old man with amyloidosis and hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver disease was admitted to the university hospital because of fatigue, lack of appetite, dark brownish urine, and myalgia for 2 weeks. The patient was receiving colchicine and gemfibrozil. Elevations of serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations with myalgia were compatible with the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis due to a combination of colchicine and gemfibrozil therapy have not been previously reported. Preexisting mild renal failure, hepatitis B-related chronic liver disease, and amyloidosis may be contributing risk factors for the development of rhabdomyolysis in this patient. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse drug event was possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving combination therapy with colchicine and gemfibrozil, especially those with renal and hepatic dysfunction, should be monitored for rhabdomyolysis, and concomitant colchicine and gemfibrozil therapy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

Acute rhabdomyolysis after cardiac transplantation: a diagnostic conundrum

A 13-year-old girl presented with right ventricular failure secondary to Ebstein's malformation (downward displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets with adherence to the right ventricular muscle and redundancy or dysplasia of the tricuspid valve leaflets). She subsequently required a heart transplant but developed rhabdomyolysis early in the postoperative period and required ventilatory support for more than 3 weeks. A variety of causes were considered, but her condition improved only when cyclosporin was eliminated from the immunosuppression regimen. We believe it is likely that the rhabdomyolysis has been caused by cyclosporin. If so, this has occurred both earlier in the clinical course and at lower serum concentrations than previously described.

Rhabdomyolysis: a review

Rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome of skeletal muscle breakdown with leakage of muscle contents, is frequently accompanied by myoglobinuria, and if sufficiently severe, acute renal failure with potentially life-threatening metabolic derangements may ensue. A diverse spectrum of inherited and acquired disorders affecting muscle membranes, membrane ion channels, and muscle energy supply causes rhabdomyolysis. Common final pathophysiological mechanisms among these causes of rhabdomyolysis include an uncontrolled rise in free intracellular calcium and activation of calcium-dependent proteases, which lead to destruction of myofibrils and lysosomal digestion of muscle fiber contents. Recent advances in molecular genetics and muscle enzyme histochemistry may enable a specific metabolic diagnosis in many patients with idiopathic recurrent rhabdomyolysis.