Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition characterized by damage to skeletal muscles and the release of toxic muscle components into the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic complications affecting mainly the kidneys and the heart. Due to its rarity, only limited evidence is available on the disease, and guidelines and randomized controlled trials on diagnosis, treatment and management are still lacking.
This review summarizes current evidence from the literature on the management of rhabdomyolysis to provide clinicians with an overview of the disease. The review focuses on the pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis and the different etiological factors, including specifically inherited metabolic myopathies. The review also discusses clinical manifestations and diagnostic clues used to identify rhabdomyolysis, which rely mainly on laboratory testing. Lastly, treatment options are discussed, focusing on acute phase management, which is based on fluid replacement therapy and prevention of renal failure, and the post-acute phase, which consists of rehabilitation and risk prevention measures.