Treatment for Rhabomyolysis varies depending upon the cause.
Rhabomyolysis patients suffer a breakdown of muscle fibers. The contents of these fibers, called myoglobin, get released into the bloodstream. Sometimes this causes harm to the patient's kidney function; it could also cause kidney damage. People with rhabomyolysis must educate themselves on best deal with their illness.
What causes it?
Many things may result in developing rhabdomyolysis. Typically, events that cause damage to the body may also cause the rhabdomyolysis. Examples of such events include physical trauma from an accident, severe burns, or hypothermia. Additionally, behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse can cause the disease to develop. Other factors may result in rhabdomyolysis, including extensive periods of lying down, such as being in a prolonged coma. Severe seizures, low thyroid issues, muscle diseases, or viruses may also cause rhabdomyolysis. Prescriptions such as statins, used to treat elevated cholesterol, sometimes cause the disease.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include changes in the color of the patient's urine, like darkness or a red tint. Patents often experience generalized weakness, stiffness, aching and tenderness in the muscles. Additionally, fatigue, unintentional weight gain and seizures may also occur. However, symptoms may differ from patient to patient. Some individuals do not experience symptoms at all.
How is it treated?
Treatment for rhabdomyolysis varies depending upon the cause of the disease and its severity. For instance, a patient experiencing the disease due to alcohol abuse should benefit by discontinuing the behavior. If the rhabdomyolysis results from a muscle disease, treatment of that condition may correct the rhabdomyolysis. In more severe cases, additional treatment needs implementation. For example, aggressively hydrating the patient with IV fluids flushes the myoglobin from the kidneys, helping prevent kidney damage. In more difficult cases, a patient may be hospitalized to allow doctors to monitor the patient's kidney function and administer medication. Certain patients may require kidney dialysis.
What is the prognosis?
For the most part, the prognosis for rhabdomyolysis is positive when the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. These patients can expect a full recovery over time. However, more severe cases may result in permanent kidney damage, or even kidney failure. These patients may require dialysis as a result. If the disease remains untreated, between 30 and 40 percent of patients experience acute kidney failure. These individuals may experience renal failure or even cardiac arrest. The possibility of death exists in the most severe cases.
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