Rhabdomyolysis Cures

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition wherein the fibers of the muscle break down and release a pigment called myoglobin directly into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out by the kidneys; however, myoglobin can block the structures of the kidney and lead to potentially serious problems. Rhabdomyolysis is fatal in about 5 percent of cases, and accounts for up to 15 percent of kidney failure. Treatment includes adequate hydration and diuretics to help stimulate urine flow.

Causes and Symptoms

• Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by anything that results in damage to the muscles. The primary cause of this is direct trauma, though there are a number of factors that can greatly increase the risk of muscle injury. These include, but are by no means limited to, alcoholism, drug overdose, heatstroke, a decreased level of phosphates and seizures.

  Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are generally relegated to muscle fatigue and pain and urine that's incredibly dark or red. These are often accompanied by an overall feeling of fatigue, pain in the joints, seizures and an unintentional increase in weight.

Initial Treatment

• The primary method of treatment for rhabdomyolysis includes aggressive hydration to quickly move the myoglobin through the kidneys. This is typically done through the use of intravenous fluids and is often used in conjunction with diuretics, which help to expedite the process. Examples of commonly used diuretics include mannitol and furosemide. In some cases, bicarbonate may be used, which prevents the myoglobin from breaking down into its potentially dangerous components. Should the muscle enter a stage of necrosis (death), the amount of fluid administered may equal the amount typically given for a patient suffering from severe burns.

Dialysis

• In the event that rhabdomyolysis leads to kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis involves the use of a machine, as opposed to the kidneys, to filter waste from the blood and send it to the bladder. In some cases the condition can become so severe that dialysis is ineffective, and the only possible treatment is a kidney transplant.