Link to MamasHealth.com
MamasHealth.com Home
Kidney Diseases

Glomerulonephritis
Growth Failure
Kidney Failure
Kidney Failure Help
Kidney Failure Treatment
Kidney Stone
Lupus Nephritis
Multicystic Kidney
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Pyelonephritis
Renal Tubular Acidosis

Rhabdomyolysis

Wilson's Disease

Links

Email Mama

Is surrogacy right for you?

A personal story about the battle with polycystic kidney disease



Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter


Information about Rhabdomyolysis

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is a disorder involving injury to the kidney. Rhabdomyolysis is caused by toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells.

What Causes Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by any condition that results in damage to skeletal muscle, especially trauma. Rhabdomyolysis is often caused by excessive muscle exercise, electric shock, lightning stroke, hypothyroidism, and heat stroke.

In some cases, possession of a sickle cell trait can be a cause of rhabdomyolysis.

Do prescription drugs cause Rhabdomyolysis?

Scientists believe that some drugs may cause rhabdomyolysis. The drugs in question are

  • cholesterol lowering drugs: clofibrate, crestor, gemfibrozil, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.
  • drugs causing excessive neuromuscular stimulation: pencyclidine (PCP), and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
  • overdose of heroin

Since its approval by the FDA, Crestor has been linked to cases of rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. If you or a family member have suffered serious side effects or fatal injury after taking Crestor, you or the family member may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis?

Some of the most common symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are:

  • dark, red, or cola colored urine color
  • muscle tenderness
  • weakness of the affected muscle(s)
  • generalized weakness
  • muscle stiffness or aching
  • unintentional weight gain
  • seizures
  • joint pain
  • fatigue

Risks of developing Rhabdomyolysis?

There are several conditions that can put you at risk for developing rhabdomyolysis. Some of those risks are:

  • severe exertion such as marathon running
  • ischemia or necrosis of the muscles
  • seizures
  • alcoholism
  • low phosphate levels
  • overdose of cocaine, amphetamines, statins, heroin, or PCP
  • trauma
  • shaking chills
  • heat intolerance
  • heat stroke

Complications of Rhabdomyolysis?

If not treated properly, rhabdomyolysis may cause life-threatening complications. Rhabdomyolysis can cause acute kidney failure, hyperkalaemia, and a heart attack.

How is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed?

If your doctor believes you may have rhabdomyolysis, he will perform several tests on you. Some of the most common tests are urine tests, and blood tests.

Featured Book

Health Book

Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You

Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know

Finding time for sex

How to choose the best weight loss program

Easy flirting tips

How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend

Surviving a financial crisis

Save money in the kitchen

Inexpensive health insurance

Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170

If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know.

©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved

Link to MamasHealth.com