Rhabdomyolosis and its pathogenesis

World J Emerg Med. 2012;3(1):11-5. doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2012.01.002.

Abstract

Background: Rhabdomyolysis may cause severe damage to the human body because of acute renal failure, fatal heart rhythm disturbances, hypovolemic shock, disturbances of electrolyte balance, metabolic acidosis, hyperthermia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, etc. Drugs and toxins are the most common factors for the disease. This article aimed to review the prognosis of rhabdomyolysis.

Data sources: Based on the reported studies of cell and molecular biology, we reviewed the clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and mechanisms of rhabdomyolysis in the Pubmed.

Results: The clinical symptoms of rhabdomyolysis were dependent on the severity of the condition and whether kidney failure develops. Since the necrosis and dissolution of muscle cells, entocytes such as myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), electrolytes, proteins and non-protein substances were released into the plasma, the detection of the entocytes may contribute to the early diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusion: Despite the etiology of the disease is multifactorial, the potential causes of rhabdomyolysis share the same pathophysiological pathway involving an increase in intracellular calcium.

Keywords: Etiology; Pathophysiological pathway; Rhabdomyolysis.

Publication types

  • Review