Rhabdomyolysis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis may not cause any symptoms at all. Muscle
aches and pain
(myalgia), stiffness, and muscle weakness can occur with rhabdomyolysis, and is
especially common with severe muscle damage. Rhabdomyolysis may cause a
darkening of the urine color. Myoglobin is released from the muscles when they
break down and is excreted into the urine. This can cause a red or cola color of
the urine.
What should I do if I think I have rhabdomyolysis?
If you have signs and symptoms suggestive of rhabdomyolysis, your doctor
needs to be notified promptly. It is important to realize that these symptoms
are not specific for rhabdomyolysis as they may be caused by other conditions.
How is rhabdomyolysis diagnosed?
Rhabdomyolysis is suggested by the history of recent and past events and the
physical examination. It is confirmed by blood and urine testing. An important
part of diagnosing rhabdomyolysis is a comprehensive medical history and
physical examination.
The medical history may include questions about any medication
use, drug and alcohol use, other medical conditions, any trauma or accident,
etc. Blood tests include a complete blood count (CBC), a metabolic panel, muscle
enzymes, and urinalysis.
The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is confirmed by detecting elevated muscle
enzymes in blood. Muscle enzymes include creatine phosphokinase (CPK), SGOT,
SGPT, and LDH. The levels of these enzymes rise as the muscle is destroyed in
rhabdomyolysis.
Of note, CPK is also in heart muscle (cardiac muscle) and
brain. The laboratory is usually able to distinguish between the different components of
this enzyme. For example, the fraction coming from skeletal muscle is referred
to as CK-MM and the one from heart muscle is designated as CK-MB. There are
small amounts of the CK-MB component in the skeletal muscle as well.
The levels of myoglobin can be elevated in blood and urine
Next: What are the complications of rhabdomyolysis? »
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