Management of Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure Following Strenuous Exercise in Young Adult: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis is severe and life threating condition in which skeletal muscles are damaged by dissolution of striped muscles. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been widely reported (13% - 50%) as a complication of Rhabdomyolysis in which the main pathophysiological mechanisms are intra-renal vasoconstriction, intraluminal cast formation (Tamm-Horsefall) and direct myoglobin toxicity. In this report we are going to describe the management of Acute Kidney Injury due to Rhabdomyolysis that is not responding to vigorous rehydration. Objective: Reporting about acute renal failure induced by Rhabdomyolysis due to Excessive Exercise and dehydration in young patient. Case Report: A 20 years male came to the outpatient clinic complaining of sever lower limb pain, back pain and vomiting. He was anuric and hypertensive (BP = 150/90 mmHg) with serum creatinine and urea levels of 15.72 mg/dl and 235 mg/dl, respectively. The diagnosis was based on the laboratory finding of creatine kinase = 3127 IU/l. The patient, then, has been referred to the emergency department. The Management plan was based on two arms: Emergency Management with Urgent Hemodialysis for AKI and high fluid replacement therapy. Patient started to recover after three hemodialysis sessions but the peak of recovery was noted after starting manual fluid replacement therapy with a target urine output of greater than 2 ml/kg, a urine pH of greater than 6. Manual fluid replacement therapy consisted of loop diuretics, intravenous fluids and intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.26%. Full recovery was noted after one month of hospital admission with inpatient care and regular follow-up. A follow-up after one month has been set to assess the patient progression and monitor his kidney functions. Relevance and Impact: Home messages and lessons are; Firstly, young adults are vulnerable to Rhabdomyolysis, second, the diagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis can be made on the clinical bases but a confirmatory laboratory test of Creatine Kinase is mandatory, and lastly’ acute kidney injury needs to be treated urgently. Also, reducing the risk of infection is one of the management objectives to achieve recovery.