Which is a complication of rhabdomyolysis?

Which is a complication of rhabdomyolysis?

• A. Renal failure
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Hepatitis
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (A)

Rhabdomyolysis releases myoglobin from damaged muscle, and the kidneys have to filter this protein. Myoglobin can injure the renal tubules and form casts, especially in acidic urine, while volume depletion and reduced renal perfusion worsen the problem. The result is acute kidney injury, a classic and serious complication of rhabdomyolysis. That’s why renal failure is the best answer. The other options—pneumonia, hepatitis, and aneurysm—aren’t direct complications of muscle breakdown; they involve the lungs, liver, and blood vessel wall, respectively, and aren’t typical consequences of rhabdomyolysis. Management emphasis is on aggressive IV fluids to preserve kidney perfusion, monitoring and correcting electrolyte disturbances (like hyperkalemia), and avoiding nephrotoxic insults, with attention to signs of evolving kidney injury.

Rhabdomyolysis releases myoglobin from damaged muscle, and the kidneys have to filter this protein. Myoglobin can injure the renal tubules and form casts, especially in acidic urine, while volume depletion and reduced renal perfusion worsen the problem. The result is acute kidney injury, a classic and serious complication of rhabdomyolysis.

That’s why renal failure is the best answer. The other options—pneumonia, hepatitis, and aneurysm—aren’t direct complications of muscle breakdown; they involve the lungs, liver, and blood vessel wall, respectively, and aren’t typical consequences of rhabdomyolysis.

Management emphasis is on aggressive IV fluids to preserve kidney perfusion, monitoring and correcting electrolyte disturbances (like hyperkalemia), and avoiding nephrotoxic insults, with attention to signs of evolving kidney injury.