What Are Some of the Causes of Rhabdomyolysis?
There are many causes of skeletal muscle injury or excess muscle breakdown. Direct injury to muscles can accompany multiple trauma, burns, external compression, prolonged immobilization, and compartment syndrome. Excess muscle activity can deplete muscle cell membranes and lead to breakdown of tissue. This is commonly seen in athletes who have overextended themselves, such as our patient, but it can be seen in many medical conditions as well. Status epilepticus, status asthmaticus, delirium tremens, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, agitation from psychosis or stimulant use, and thyroid storm can significantly increase a patient’s muscular activity. Prolonged immobilization can result in local tissue damage from external compression. This is a common cause of rhabdomyolysis in the elderly, alcoholics and drug users. Other conditions associated with rhabdomyolysis include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), infections, hyperthermia, hypothermia, and localized hypoxia, as can occur with vascular
