Rhabdomyolysis and physical activity

Three well trained young persons developed rhabdomyolysis after heavy physical exercise. Two of them developed acute renal failure and underwent peritoneal dialysis for a prolonged period. It is poorly understood why some people develop rhabdomyolysis under such conditions. Various explanations are discussed. It is also not completely understood why some, but by no means all, patients with creatine phosphokinase (CK) elevation develop acute renal failure. The nephrotoxicity of myoglobin is decreased by forced alkaline diuresis. Rhabdomyolysis may cause few or no symptoms, but can threaten life. It is important that physicians are aware of the condition, and know that it may develop after physical exercise alone.