What are the causes of rhabdomyolysis?
Disease description:
The arms feel weak, even holding a bowl is difficult, and at the same time, the urine appears cola-colored. After going to the hospital for examination, it was discovered to be rhabdomyolysis. What causes rhabdomyolysis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Rhabdomyolysis is primarily characterized by extensive destruction of skeletal muscle cells and the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream. This condition can lead to acute kidney injury and other severe complications. The causes of rhabdomyolysis can be categorized mainly as follows:
1. Excessive exercise: Particularly high-intensity physical activity that exceeds the body's tolerance limits can easily damage skeletal muscle cells.
2. Muscle crush injuries: Prolonged compression from heavy objects, natural disasters, or accidents during construction work or traffic incidents can all potentially trigger rhabdomyolysis.
3. Electric shock and hyperthermia: Damage from high-voltage electrical currents, defibrillation or cardioversion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and states of high fever may all cause injury to skeletal muscles.
4. Medications and toxins: Certain medications, such as statins used for lowering cholesterol and antipsychotic drugs, as well as alcohol poisoning and heavy metal poisoning, can all induce rhabdomyolysis.
5. Metabolic abnormalities: Metabolic disorders such as hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and electrolyte imbalances following intense exercise may also trigger rhabdomyolysis.
6. Infections and autoimmune diseases: Viral infections, such as influenza virus infection, and autoimmune diseases like polymyositis and dermatomyositis can damage muscle fibers, leading to rhabdomyolysis.
