Rhabdomyolysis associated acute kidney injury following a physical violence

Abstract

Introduction: Physical violence can lead to serious and, rarely, fatal injuries. In addition to head injury, which is the leading cause of death and long-term disability, injuries of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs are important cause of assault-related morbidity. This paper discusses such rare complication of an interpersonal violence - rhabdomyolyis associated with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Case: A 37-year-old man who claims to be assaulted by a group of people, presented with focal contusions and extensive grazed abrasions over the trunk and limbs. Injuries to brain and other visceral organs were excluded. Serum creatinine and urea were elevated significantly, along with increase in C-reactive protein and liver enzymes. Urinalysis contained red cells and leukocyte esterase, following which rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed. He developed oliguric AKI, and haemodialysis was initiated. He was discharged after eleven days of hospitalization, following improvement in renal functions. Discussion: Rhabdomyolysis is a common cause for oliguric renal failure, and can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Rhabdomyolysis has specific clinical and laboratory parameters, but still requires high level of suspicion, for timely diagnosis. Highly elevated levels creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) is the most specific parameter for the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Myoglobinuria, elevated levels of lactase dehydrogenase and transaminases are also considered valuable markers of rhabdomyolysis. AKI is the commonest systemic complication of rhabdomyolysis and various causative mechanisms have been explained. Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis requires high index of suspicion when acute kidney injury and altered metabolite levels are suspected in a patient with major or minor muscle injuries, in order to prevent complications or death.