Rhabdomyolysis and secondary renal failure in critically ill surgical patients

Chemotherapy-Induced Changes in Plasma Amino Acids and Lipid Oxidation of Resected Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Background for Future Studies

Previous studies have documented that FOLFOX and XELOX therapies negatively impact the metabolism of skeletal muscle and extra-muscle districts. This pilot study tested whether three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy produced changes in plasma amino acid levels (PAAL) (an estimation of whole-body amino acid metabolism) and in plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid hyper oxidation. Fourteen ambulatory, resected patients with colorectal cancer scheduled to receive FOLFOX (n = 9) or XELOX (n = 5) therapy, after overnight fasting, underwent peripheral venous blood sampling, to determine PAAL and MDA before, during, and at the end of three-month therapy. Fifteen healthy matched subjects (controls) only underwent measures of PAAL at baseline. The results showed changes in 87.5% of plasma essential amino acids (EAAs) and 38.4% of non-EAAs in patients treated with FOLFOX or XELOX. These changes in EAAs occurred in two opposite directions: EAAs decreased with FOLFOX and increased or did not decrease with XELOX (interactions: from p = 0.034 to p = 0.003). Baseline plasma MDA levels in both FOLFOX and XELOX patients were above the normal range of values, and increased, albeit not significantly, during therapy. In conclusion, three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy affected plasma EAAs differently but not the baseline MDA levels, which were already high.

Postoperative rhabdomyolysis following otoplasty: an autopsy case report

Postoperative rhabdomyolysis is a significant complication that can arise from prolonged surgery, causing potential harm to the kidneys and leading to acute renal failure. Despite its importance, the incidence of rhabdomyolysis following ear reconstruction surgery remains undocumented in the literature. In this report, we present a case study of a male patient in his forties who underwent otoplasty for ear reconstruction after the amputation of his right ear due to a physical assault. The surgery lasted for 8 h under general anesthesia, and unfortunately, the patient developed postoperative rhabdomyolysis, which resulted in severe renal failure and ultimately an unrecoverable cardiac arrest, leading to his death. The autopsy findings indicated no identifiable lesions except for organ congestion, while histopathology revealed acute tubular necrosis of the kidney and muscle rhabdomyolysis. Previous literature has explored the association between surgical duration, location, and rhabdomyolysis, underscoring that this condition is an infrequent yet preventable consequence of prolonged surgery. The co-occurrence of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal injury in this case suggests the presence of comorbidity, emphasizing the need for prompt action to mitigate the negative consequences of rhabdomyolysis. Awareness and early intervention are crucial in preventing and managing this condition effectively.

Several dementia subtypes and mild cognitive impairment share brain reduction of neurotransmitter precursor amino acids, impaired energy metabolism, and lipid hyperoxidation

Objective

Dementias and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are associated with variously combined changes in the neurotransmitter system and signaling, from neurotransmitter synthesis to synaptic binding. The study tested the hypothesis that different dementia subtypes and MCI may share similar reductions of brain availability in amino acid precursors (AAPs) of neurotransmitter synthesis and concomitant similar impairment in energy production and increase of oxidative stress, i.e., two important metabolic alterations that impact neurotransmission.

Materials and methods

Sixty-five demented patients (Alzheimer's disease, AD, n = 44; frontotemporal disease, FTD, n = 13; vascular disease, VaD, n = 8), 10 subjects with MCI and 15 control subjects (CTRL) were recruited for this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels of AAPs, energy substrates (lactate, pyruvate), and an oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) were measured in all participants.

Results

Demented patients and subjects with MCI were similar for age, anthropometric parameters, biohumoral variables, insulin resistance (HOMA index model), and CSF neuropathology markers. Compared to age-matched CTRL, both demented patients and MCI subjects showed low CSF AAP tyrosine (precursor of dopamine and catecholamines), tryptophan (precursor of serotonin), methionine (precursor of acetylcholine) limited to AD and FTD, and phenylalanine (an essential amino acid largely used for protein synthesis) (p = 0.03 to <0.0001). No significant differences were found among dementia subtypes or between each dementia subtype and MCI subjects. In addition, demented patients and MCI subjects, compared to CTRL, had similar increases in CSF and plasma levels of pyruvate (CSF: p = 0.023 to <0.0001; plasma: p < 0.002 to <0.0001) and MDA (CSF: p < 0.035 to 0.002; plasma: p < 0.0001). Only in AD patients was the CSF level of lactate higher than in CTRL (p = 0.003). Lactate/pyruvate ratios were lower in all experimental groups than in CTRL.

Conclusion

AD, FTD, and VaD dementia patients and MCI subjects may share similar deficits in AAPs, partly in energy substrates, and similar increases in oxidative stress. These metabolic alterations may be due to AAP overconsumption following high brain protein turnover (leading to phenylalanine reductions), altered mitochondrial structure and function, and an excess of free radical production. All these metabolic alterations may have a negative impact on synaptic plasticity and activity.

Associations of cold exposure with hospital admission and mortality due to acute kidney injury: A nationwide time-series study in Korea

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence supports an association between heat exposure and acute kidney injury (AKI). However, there is a paucity of studies on the association between cold exposure and AKI.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the associations of cold exposure with hospital admission and mortality due to AKI and to explore whether these associations were influenced by age and sex.

METHODS

Information on daily counts of hospital admission and mortality due to AKI in 16 regions of Korea during the cold seasons (2010-2019) was obtained from the National Health Insurance Service (a single national insurer providing universal health coverage) and Statistics Korea. Daily mean temperature and relative humidity were calculated from hourly data obtained from 94 monitoring systems operated by the Korean Meteorological Administration. Associations of low temperatures (<10th percentile of daily mean temperature) and cold spells (≥2 consecutive days with <5th percentile of daily mean temperature) up to 21 days with AKI were estimated using quasi-Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders (e.g., relative humidity and air pollutants) with distributed lag models and univariate meta-regression models.

RESULTS

Low temperatures were associated with hospital admission due to AKI [relative risk (RR) = 1.12, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.09, 1.16]. Cold spells were associated with hospital admission (RR = 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.46, 2.39) and mortality due to AKI (RR = 4.84, 95 % CI: 1.30, 17.98). These associations were stronger among individuals aged ≥65 years than among those aged <65 years.

CONCLUSION

Our results underscore the need for the general population, particularly the elderly, physicians, and other healthcare providers to be more vigilant to cold exposure, given the risk of AKI. Government agencies need to develop specific strategies for the prevention and early detection of cold exposure-related AKI.

Trauma-related electrolyte disturbances: From resuscitation to rhabdomyolysis

Traumatic injury results in drastic changes to a patient's normal physiology. The hormonal stress response, as well as some treatment strategies, lead to significant disruptions in electrolyte homeostasis that are important for clinicians to understand. In addition, advances in fluid resuscitation and modern transfusion practices have led to their own unique set of consequences, which we are just beginning to appreciate. Special attention is placed on rhabdomyolysis, as this distinct entity represents an extreme example of injury induced electrolyte derangements. This review describes the physiologic response to trauma and highlights some of the important electrolyte abnormalities that can be encountered while caring for the injured patient.

Acute kidney injury in severely injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to identify possible associations between clinical and laboratory variables and the risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) in severely injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for whom creatine kinase (CK) levels were available.

METHODS

For this retrospective observational study, we analyzed adult trauma patients admitted to the ICU from 2011 to 2015 at Fundación Valle del Lili (FVL) University Hospital. Our primary outcome was the incidence of AKI. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for this outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 315 patients were included. The trauma mechanisms were blunt (n = 130), penetrating (n = 66) and blast (n = 44) trauma. The median (interquartile range, IQR) of injury severity score (ISS) was 21 (16-29). AKI developed in 75 patients (23.8%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the thoracic abbreviated injury scale (AIS) value (median (IQR) in the AKI group: 3 (0-4)), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (median (IQR) in the AKI group: 18 (10-27)), CK greater than 5000 U/L, lactic acid concentration at admission, and dobutamine administration were independently associated with AKI.

CONCLUSION

We found that age, APACHE II score, thoracic trauma, lactic acidosis, and dobutamine administration were independently associated with AKI. Trauma surgeons need to be aware of the increased odds of AKI if one of these factors is identified during the evaluation and treatment of injured patients.

Acute Poisoning with Rhabdomyolysis in the Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy Requirement

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the major complication of rhabdomyolysis. We aimed to identify the predictive factors for AKI and renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement in poisoning-associated rhabdomyolysis. We conducted a cohort study including 273 successive poisoned patients (median age, 41 years) who developed rhabdomyolysis defined as creatine kinase (CK) >1000 IU/L. Factors associated with AKI and RRT requirement were identified using multivariate analyses. Poisonings mainly involved psychotropic drugs. AKI occurred in 88 patients (37%) including 43 patients (49%) who required RRT. Peak serum creatinine and CK were weakly correlated (R² = 0.17, p < 0.001). Death (13%) was more frequent after AKI onset (32% vs. 2%, p < 0.001). On admission, lithium overdose (OR, 44.4 (5.3–371.5)), serum calcium ≤2.1 mmol/L (OR, 14.3 (2.04–112.4)), female gender (OR, 5.5 (1.8–16.9)), serum phosphate ≥1.5 mmol/L (OR, 2.0 (1.0–4.2)), lactate ≥ 3.3 mmol/L (OR, 1.2 (1.1–1.4)), serum creatinine ≥ 125 µmol/L (OR, 1.05 (1.03–1.06)) and age (OR, 1.04 (1.01–1.07)) independently predicted AKI onset. Calcium-channel blocker overdose (OR, 14.2 (3.8–53.6)), serum phosphate ≥ 2.3 mmol/L (OR, 1.6 (1.1–2.6)), Glasgow score ≤ 5 (OR, 1.12; (1.02–1.25)), prothrombin index ≤ 71% (OR, 1.03; (1.01–1.05)) and serum creatinine ≥ 125 µmol/L (OR, 1.01; (1.00–1.01)) independently predicted RRT requirement. We identified the predictive factors for AKI and RRT requirement on admission to improve management in poisoned patients presenting rhabdomyolysis.

Diagnosis and Management of Rhabdomyolysis in the Absence of Creatine Phosphokinase: A Medical Record Review

INTRODUCTION

Rhabdomyolysis is often encountered in austere environments where the diagnosis can be challenging due to the expense or unavailability of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) testing. CPK concentration ≥5,000 U/L has previously been found to be a sensitive marker for progression to renal failure. This study sought to propose a model utilizing an alternate biomarker to allow for the diagnosis and monitoring of clinically significant rhabdomyolysis in the absence of CPK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 77 patients admitted to a tertiary medical center with a primary diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A linear regression model with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as the independent variable was developed and used to predict CPK ≥5,000 U/L on admission and CPK values on subsequent hospital days. The study was approved and monitored by the Institutional Review Board at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

RESULTS

Ln(AST) explained over 80% of the variance in ln(CPK) (adjusted R2 = 0.802). The diagnostic accuracy to predict CPK ≥5,000 U/L was high (AUC 0.959; 95% CI: 0.921-0.997, P < 0.001). A cut point of AST ≥110 U/L in our study population had a 97.1% sensitivity and an 85.7% specificity for the detection of a CPK value ≥5,000 U/L. The agreement between actual CPK and predicted CPK for subsequent days of hospitalization was fair with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.38-0.63). The developed model based on day 1 data tended to overpredict CPK values on subsequent hospital days.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a threshold concentration of AST that has an excellent sensitivity for detecting CPK concentration ≥5,000 U/L on day of admission in a patient population with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A formula with a fair ability to predict CPK levels based on AST concentrations on subsequent hospital days was also developed.

A "crush" course on rhabdomyolysis: risk stratification and clinical management update for the perioperative clinician

Rhabdomyolysis, the release of myoglobin and other cellular breakdown products from necrotic muscle tissue, is seen in patients with crush injuries, drug overdose, malignant hyperthermia, muscular dystrophy, and with increasing frequency in obese patients undergoing routine procedures. For the perioperative clinician, managing the resultant shock, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury can present a significant challenge. Prompt recognition, hydration, and correction of metabolic disturbances may reduce or eliminate the need for long-term renal replacement therapy. This article reviews the pathophysiology and discusses key issues in the perioperative diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of rhabdomyolysis.

The Prognostic Value of Troponin in Pediatric Polytrauma

Introduction: Severe trauma accounts for a great number of deaths among children and adolescents. The diagnostic value of troponin serum levels of severely injured patients has been reported for adults, but data on pediatric polytrauma (PT) are scarce. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective monocentered study analyzing the prognostic value of troponin T (TnT) in pediatric trauma patients at the time point of hospital admission. Methods: Data of 88 polytraumatized pediatric patients admitted to the emergency room of the University Hospital of Ulm, Germany, between 2007 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The data source was the written and digital patient records. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), creatine kinase activity (CK activity), and lactate and TnT levels were measured by a certified clinical diagnostic laboratory; and patients were stratified for the Injury Severity Score (ISS). The prognostic value for lung contusion, organ dysfunction, and fatal outcome was statistically explored. The study was approved by the independent ethical committee of the University of Ulm (#44/18). Results: TnT levels were significantly increased in patients after severe PT compared with mild or moderate trauma severity as assessed by ISS values. Patients with TnT levels above the cutoff showed significantly increased levels of IL-6 and CK activity and a significantly prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. However, TnT levels did not correlate with absolute ISS values. TnT levels were significantly increased in patients with chest trauma and lung contusion. The incidence of lung contusion was associated with elevation of TnT. So was the onset of organ dysfunction, defined as a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 2 and fatal outcome, with a significant enhancement of plasma levels in children with organ dysfunction and in non-survivors. Conclusion: These descriptive data suggest that evaluation of TnT on admission of multiply injured children may help in predicting severity of injury and mortality in the clinical course after trauma and thus may be a useful addition to established prognostic parameters in the future.

Factors associated with acute kidney injury in the Helsinki Burn Centre in 2006-2015

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in severe burns and can lead to significantly poorer outcomes. Although the prognosis has improved in recent decades, the mortality of AKI remains considerable. We investigated the factors that increase the risk of AKI and death after severe burn injury.

METHODS

Intensive care patients with ≥20% burned total body surface area (TBSA%) between January 2006 and December 2015 treated in Helsinki Burn Centre were enrolled retrospectively. Patients who arrived > 36 h after burn injury or died < 48 h from arrival were excluded. A total of 187 patients were included in the final analysis. Serum creatinine ≥120 μmol/l (1.4 mg/dl) was the criterion for AKI.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (27.3%) developed AKI during hospital stay and 21 (11.2%) required renal replacement therapy (RRT); 37 patients (19.8%) died during hospital stay. Mortality was significantly higher in the AKI group (52.9%) than in the AKI-negative group (7.4%). The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI), Baux, and the modified Baux score were nearly equivalent in predicting mortality during ICU stay (AUC: 0.83-0.84). The risk of death and AKI were minimal with Baux scores < 80. LD₅₀ was 112 for Baux score in all patients. In flame burns, the risk of death increased rapidly after Baux score > 80. Multivariate logistic regression model detected age, TBSA%, sepsis, and rhabdomyolysis as independent risk factors for AKI. Age (per 10 yrs. OR 1.99), TBSA% (per 10% OR 1.64), and AKI predicted mortality during hospital stay; AKI had an odds ratio of (OR) of 5.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-16.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, TBSA%, and AKI were the strongest independent factors in predicting outcome in severe burns. Even a major burn (> 50% TBSA) has a relatively good prognosis without simultaneous AKI. Prognosis is poorer even in minor burns for patients with AKI.

Rhabdomyolysis in Critically Ill Surgical Patients

Introduction:

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of injury of skeletal muscles associated with myoglobinuria, muscle weakness, electrolyte imbalance and often, acute kidney injury as severe complication.

The aim:

of this study is to detect the incidence of rhabdomyolysis in critically ill patients in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU), and to raise awareness of this medical condition and its treatment among the clinicians.

Material and methods:

A retrospective review of all surgical and trauma patients admitted to surgical ICU of the University Surgical Clinic “Mother Teresa” in Skopje, Macedonia, from January 1^st till December 31^st 2015 was performed. Patients medical records were screened for available serum creatine kinase (CK) with levels > 200 U/l, presence of myoglobin in the serum in levels > 80 ng/ml, or if they had a clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis by an attending doctor. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data.

Results:

Out of totally 1084 patients hospitalized in the ICU, 93 were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis during the course of one year. 82(88%) patients were trauma patients, while 11(12%) were surgical non trauma patients. 7(7.5%) patients diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis developed acute kidney injury (AKI) that required dialysis. Average values of serum myoglobin levels were 230 ng/ml, with highest values of > 5000 ng/ml. Patients who developed AKI had serum myoglobin levels above 2000 ng/ml. Average values of serum CK levels were 400 U/l, with highest value of 21600 U/l. Patients who developed AKI had serum CK levels above 3000 U/l.

Conclusion:

Regular monitoring and early detection of elevated serum CK and myoglobin levels in critically ill surgical and trauma patients is recommended in order to recognize and treat rhabdomyolysis in timely manner and thus prevent development of AKI.

Characteristics of Creatine Kinase Elevation in Trauma Patients and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury

INTRODUCTION

Rhabdomyolysis in general trauma patients is a cause of acute kidney injury. However, there are limited data on prevalence, risk factors and the dynamics of creatine kinase (CK) as a surrogate marker for rhabdomyolysis.

AIM

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of CK elevation in general trauma patients and identify the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHOD

A retrospective study of trauma patients at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2009 to August 2014 using CK, clinical characteristics and trauma severity as predictors and AKI as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network, 2005 criteria as the outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 372 patients included in the study, the prevalence of rhabdomyolysis was 40.3%, the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 19.5 and 7% had AKI. The CK level peaked at 40 hours after admission with a rate change of 50.98 U/L/h. An initial mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg, ISS ≥ 25 and CK elevation > 1,000 U/L/h were independently associated with AKI.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic rhabdomyolysis resulting in AKI occurs in patients with a high peak CK with an increasing rate of change and a high ISS. These parameters could identify patients who needed close monitoring of CK and renal function.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Background:

Patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) exhibit factors that, in other populations, have been associated with rhabdomyolysis.

Purpose:

The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of rhabdomyolysis in patients with acute traumatic SCI admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), as well as the development of secondary acute kidney injury and associated factors.

Study Design and Setting:

This was an observational, retrospective study.

Patient Sample:

All adult patients admitted to the ICU with acute traumatic SCI who presented rhabdomyolysis, diagnosed through creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels >500 IU/L.

Outcome Measures:

Incidence of rhabdomyolysis and subsequent renal dysfunction was calculated.

Materials and Methods:

Data about demographic variables, comorbidity, rhabdomyolysis risk factors, and variables involving SCI, severity scores, and laboratory parameters were obtained from clinical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify renal injury risk factors.

Results:

In 2006–2014, 200 patients with acute SCI were admitted to ICU. Of these, 103 had rhabdomyolysis (incidence = 51.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.3%–58.7%). The most typical American Spinal Injury Association classification was A (70.3%). The injury severity score was 30.3 ± 12.1 and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was 5.6 ± 3.3 points. During their stay, 57 patients (55.3%; 95% CI: 45.2%–65.4%) presented renal dysfunction (creatinine ≥1.2 mg/dL). In the multivariate analysis, variables associated with renal dysfunction were creatinine at admission (odds ratio [OR] = 9.20; P = 0.006) and hemodynamic SOFA score the day following admission (OR = 1.33; P = 0.024). Creatinine was a better predictor of renal dysfunction than the peak CPK value during the rhabdomyolysis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.91 vs. 0.63, respectively).

Conclusions:

Rhabdomyolysis is a frequent condition in patients with acute traumatic SCI admitted to the ICU, and renal dysfunction occurs in half of the cases. Creatinine values should be requested starting at the admission while neither the peak CPK values nor the hemodynamic SOFA scores could be used to properly discriminate between patients with and without renal dysfunction.

Risk factors for rhabdomyolysis following doxylamine overdose

The objective of this prospective study was to identify risk factors for developing rhabdomyolysis in patients with doxylamine overdose. Patients who were admitted to a university teaching hospital between July 2000 and September 2005 due to doxylamine overdose were recruited. Demographic information, clinical variables, and laboratory data were investigated. Twenty-seven (M/F 12/15, age 33.2 ±13.1 years) patients were enrolled. Sixteen (59%) of 27 patients developed rhabdomyolysis and three (19%) of 16 patients with rhabdomyolysis also developed acute renal failure. Patients who developed rhabdomyolysis differed from those who did not in the amount of doxylamine ingested, initial serum creatitnine and arterial pH. In multivariate regression analysis, the only reliable predictor of rhabdomyolysis was the amount of doxylamine ingested ( P = 0.039). The amount of doxylamine ingested (≥ 20 mg/kg) predicted the development of rhabdomyolysis with a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 82%, a positive predictive value of 87%, and a negative predictive value of 75%.

In conclusion, rhabdomyolysis following doxylamine overdose was common, occurring in 87% of patients who ingested more than 20 mg/kg. The amount of doxylamine ingested was the only reliable predictor for developing rhabdomyolysis following doxylamine overdose. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 617—621

Postoperative elevation in creatine kinase and its impact on renal function in patients undergoing complex partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors associated with development of postoperative elevation of creatine kinase (CK) and study its effect on renal function in patients who underwent complex multifocal partial nephrectomy (PN).

METHODS

Patients who underwent PN at National Cancer Institute between January 2007 and December 2012 were included in the study. Elevated serum CK was defined as >2000 U/L. Kidney function was assessed using serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Changes were reported as percent change from preoperative values and compared using the Wilcoxon test. Regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of elevation in CK and decline in eGFR.

RESULTS

From 407 total cases, 207 had adequate CK data for analysis. Median number of tumors removed was 3 (1-70). Median peak CK was 1458 (82-36,788). Forty-two percent developed CK elevation >2000 U/L. Factors associated with postoperative elevation of CK > 2000 were young age (p = 0.009), high BMI (p = 0.003) and operating room time (p < 0.001). Although CK > 2000 was associated with significantly greater decline in eGFR (37.4 vs. 20.3 %, p < 0.001) in immediate postoperative period, this change largely resolved to a much less clinically relevant (9.2 vs 3.3 %, p = 0.040) change after 3 months. On multivariate analysis, postoperative elevation in CK was not found to be an independent factor determining renal function at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort, a significant proportion of patients developed CK elevations >2000 U/L. While patients with elevated CK had more decline in eGFR in immediate postoperative period, postoperative elevations of CK did not appear to impact overall long-term renal function in patients undergoing PN.

Rhabdomyolysis following Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Descriptive, Single-Center Study

Purpose. Rhabdomyolysis (RML) following cardiac surgery and its relationship with acute kidney injury (AKI) require investigation. Patients and Methods. All patients undergoing cardiac surgery in our hospital were enrolled in this prospective study during a 1-year period. To investigate the occurrence of RML and its association with AKI, all patients in the study underwent serial assessment of serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels. Serial renal function, prior statin treatment, and outcome variables were recorded. Results. In total, 201 patients were included in the study: 185 men and 16 women with a mean age of 52.0 ± 12.4 years. According to the presence of RML (CK of ≥2,500 U/L), the patients were divided into Group I (RML present in 17 patients) and Group II (RML absent in 184 patients). Seven patients in Group I had AKI (41%) where 34 patients in group II had AKI (18.4%), P = 0.025. We observed a significantly longer duration of ventilation, length of stay in the ICU, and hospitalization in Group I (P < 0.001 for all observations). Conclusions. An early elevation of serum CK above 2500 U/L postoperatively in high-risk cardiac surgery could be used to diagnose RML that may predict the concomitance of early AKI.

Role of Elevated Aminotransferases in ICU Patients with Rhabdomyolysis

To evaluate whether patients with rhabdomyolysis and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) higher than 1000 IU/L had higher mortality that patients with low aminotransferases. Retrospective analysis of intensive care unit patients with rhabdomyolysis [creatine kinase (CK) higher than 5000 IU/L]. Patients were classified in two groups: low aminotransferases group, when AST and ALT were equal or lower to 1000 IU/L, and elevated aminotransferases group, when AST or ALT was above 1000 IU/L. Forty-six out of 189 patients included in the analysis (24.3%) had elevated aminotransferases. The mortality of patients with rhabdomyolysis was 25.9 per cent, being higher in patients with elevated aminotransferases compared with patients with low aminotransferases (60.9% vs 14.7%; P < 0.001). Mortality stratified by quartiles of CK in patients with low aminotransferases was independent of the level of CK ( P = 0.67). Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent variables associated with mortality were Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [1.11 (1.07–1.16) for each point of increase, P < 0.001], the international normalized ratio value [4.2 (1.6–10.7) for each point of increase, P = 0.003], and the need of renal replacement therapy [5.4 (1.7–17.2), P = 0.004]. Patients with rhabdomyolysis with elevated serum aminotransferases had higher mortality than patients with low serum aminotransferase levels.

The Contemporary Incidence and Sequelae of Rhabdomyolysis Following Extirpative Renal Surgery: A Population Based Analysis

PURPOSE

We evaluate the contemporary incidence and consequences of postoperative rhabdomyolysis after extirpative renal surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a population based, retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent extirpative renal surgery with a diagnosis of a renal mass or renal cell carcinoma in the United States between 2004 and 2013. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate 90-day mortality (Clavien grade V), nonfatal major complications (Clavien grade III-IV), hospital readmission rates, direct costs and length of stay.

RESULTS

The final weighted cohort included 310,880 open, 174,283 laparoscopic and 69,880 robotic extirpative renal surgery cases during the 10-year study period, with 745 (0.001%) experiencing postoperative rhabdomyolysis. The presence of postoperative rhabdomyolysis led to a significantly higher incidence of 90-day nonfatal major complications (34.7% vs 7.3%, p <0.05) and higher 90-day mortality (4.4% vs 1.02%, p <0.05). Length of stay was twice as long for patients with postoperative rhabdomyolysis (incidence risk ratio 1.83, 95% CI 1.56-2.15, p <0.001). The robotic approach was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative rhabdomyolysis (vs laparoscopic approach, OR 2.43, p <0.05). Adjusted 90-day median direct hospital costs were USD 7,515 higher for patients with postoperative rhabdomyolysis (p <0.001). Our model revealed that the combination of obesity and prolonged surgery (more than 5 hours) was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative rhabdomyolysis developing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that postoperative rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon complication among patients undergoing extirpative renal surgery, but has a potentially detrimental impact on surgical morbidity, mortality and costs. Male gender, comorbidities, obesity, prolonged surgery (more than 5 hours) and a robotic approach appear to place patients at higher risk for postoperative rhabdomyolysis.

Some kinetic considerations in high cut-off hemodiafiltration for acute myoglobinuric renal failure

The kinetics of myoglobin in severe rhabdomyolysis and dialysis-dependent myoglobinuric acute kidney injury (Mb-AKI) is still not well elucidated, and more detailed knowledge could improve the now empiric use of rapid extracorporeal myoglobin removal by high cut-off (HCO) hemodialysis treatments. Eighteen adult patients with severe dialysis-dependent Mb-AKI (median serum concentration of myoglobin 57.4 mg/L) participated in the prospective clinical study, assessing myoglobin kinetics during HCO hemodiafiltration (HCO HDF). High initial serum concentrations of myoglobin (median 57.4 mg/L), together with protracted myoglobin appearance in the blood, indicated a large accumulation of myoglobin in body fluids. Extra-renal endogenous metabolic myoglobin clearance was delayed, with a slow exponential fall in serum myoglobin (t½ 35 h). A mean myoglobin clearance of 90-94 mL/min, a reduction ratio of 80%, and a rapid exponential fall (t½ 1 h) in serum and dialysate myoglobin were achieved by HCO HDF. Half of the cumulative myoglobin removal was accomplished in 3-5 h, with an additional removal of 7% each hour thereafter. A 2.4-fold rebound in serum myoglobin followed the HCO procedures. Large amounts of myoglobin are released into the circulation, and its endogenous metabolic clearance in dialysis-dependent Mb-AKI is slow. Owing to its rapid and highly efficient myoglobin elimination, HCO HDF may represent a valuable tool in the initial management of severe Mb-AKI, with a potential for earlier application in the future.

Use of myoglobin as a marker and predictor in myoglobinuric acute kidney injury

Serum creatine kinase (CK) is routinely used as a marker in the assessment of rhabdomyolysis and acute myoglobinuric kidney injury (Mb-AKI), while the use of myoglobin is much less explored in this respect. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of Mb-AKI (creatinine [Cr] > 200 μmol/L) and the need for hemodialysis (HD) in 484 patients (70.5% males) with suspected rhabdomyolysis, grouped according to peak serum myoglobin (A: 1-5 mg/L, B: 5-15 mg/L, C: >15 mg/L). The median peak myoglobin was 7163 μg/L. Both peak Cr and peak CK were significantly higher in group C. The incidence of Mb-AKI was 24.6% in group A, 38.6% in group B (P < 0.01 vs. group A), and significantly higher (64.9%) in group C (P < 0.001 vs. groups A and B). Fifty-one patients (10.5%) needed HD, the proportion increasing from 6.7% in group A, and 12.3% in group B (NS), to 28.1% in group C (P < 0.001 vs. group A, P 0.01 vs. group B), and reaching 36.8% with myoglobin >20 mg/L. Creatine kinase correlated with the severity of rhabdomyolysis, but less so with Mb-AKI. The peak Cr levels were not significantly different between patients divided by CK 60 μkat/L, or grouped into CK tertiles or quartiles. A significant proportion of patients with rhabdomyolysis experienced Mb-AKI, whose frequency increased in parallel with myoglobin levels. Myoglobin levels above 15 mg/L were most significantly related to the development of AKI and the need for HD. Blood myoglobin could serve as a valuable early predictor and marker of rhabdomyolysis and Mb-AKI.

Compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis as a positioning complication following retrosigmoid craniotomy

The goal of surgical positioning is to provide optimal surgical access and visualization while maintaining the patient's safety, with the least physiological compromise. Here, we report a 30-year-old man with an unremarkable past medical history who developed superior vena cava syndrome after a 15-hour retrosigmoid craniotomy for removal of a right cerebellopontine (CP) angle tumor. Compartment syndrome from the head to neck and rhabdomyolysis were recognized, with extensive swelling of his head and neck, markedly swollen soft tissues and necrosis of multiple muscles revealed by computed tomography, and very high concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase. Immediate intensive care and rehabilitation therapy were provided and aimed at maintaining adequate perfusion/oxygenation and decreasing tissue pressure. He was successfully weaned from ventilation on postoperative day (POD) 25, transferred to a general ward on POD 29, and discharged with mild muscular and neurological sequelae on POD 51. Careful adjustment of surgical positioning is crucial for patient safety, especially when positioned at an extreme position in association with prolonged surgery.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in severe rhabdomyolysis

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening complication of severe rhabdomyolysis. This study was conducted to assess risk factors for AKI and to develop a risk score for early prediction.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study with a 9-year follow-up, carried out in an acute-care teaching-affiliated hospital. A total of 126 patients with severe rhabdomyolysis defined as serum creatine kinase (CK) > 5,000 IU/L fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for AKI. Based on the values obtained for each variable, a risk score and prognostic probabilities were estimated to establish the risk for developing AKI.

Results

The incidence of AKI was 58%. Death during hospitalization was significantly higher among patients with AKI, compared to patients without AKI (19.2% vs 3.6%, p = 0.008). The following variables were independently associated with AKI: peak CK (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95%CI 1.4-16.8), hypoalbuminemia (< 33 mg/dL, [OR 5.1, 95%CI 1.4-17-7]), metabolic acidosis (OR 5.3, 95%CI 1.4-20.3), and decreased prothrombin time (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-14.5). A risk score for AKI was calculated for each patient, with an OR of 1.72 (95%CI 1.45-2.04). The discrimination value of the predictive model was established by means of a ROC curve, with the area under the curve of 0.871 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The identification of independent factors associated with AKI and a risk score for early prediction of this complication in patients with severe rhabdomyolysis may be useful in clinical practice, particularly to implement early preventive measures.

An observational study on rhabdomyolysis in the intensive care unit. Exploring its risk factors and main complication: acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Because neither the incidence and risk factors for rhabdomyolysis in the ICU nor the dynamics of its main complication, i.e., rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) are well known, we retrospectively studied a large population of adult ICU patients (n = 1,769).

METHODS

CK and sMb (serum myoglobin) and uMb (urinary myoglobin) were studied as markers of rhabdomyolysis and AKI (RIFLE criteria). Hemodialysis and mortality were used as outcome variables.

RESULTS

Prolonged surgery, trauma, and vascular occlusions are associated with increasing CK values. CK correlates with sMb (p < 0.001) and peaks significantly later than sMb or uMb.The logistic regression showed a positive correlation between CK and the development of AKI, with an OR of 2.21. Univariate logistic regression suggests that elevations of sMb and uMb are associated with the development of AKI, with odds ratios of 7.87 and 1.61 respectively. The ROC curve showed that for all three markers a significant correlation with AKI, for sMb with the greatest area under the curve. The best cutoff values for prediction of AKI were CK > 773 U/l; sMb > 368 μg/l and uMb > 38 μg/l respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Because it also has extrarenal elimination kinetics, our data suggest that measuring myoglobin in patients at risk for rhabdomyolysis in the ICU may be useful.

Rhabdomyolysis: risk factors and incidence in polytrauma patients in the absence of major disasters

PURPOSE

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome caused by musculoskeletal tissue damage that leads to the release of large amounts of intracellular elements, which particularly affect renal function. The most common causes are severe trauma, ischemia, surgical procedures, and drug abuse. We aimed to determine the incidence of rhabdomyolysis by measuring muscle injury markers (CK, myoglobin), to identify pre/post-admission as well as iatrogenic risk factors for rhabdomyolysis in severe polytrauma, to clarify the relevance of orthopedic injuries and surgical treatment in the onset/worsening of rhabdomyolysis, and to correlate risk factors with its main complication-acute renal failure (ARF).

METHODS

Prospective study of severe polytrauma patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15), with CK and myoglobin values measured at admission and after 24, 48, and 72 h. Peak values, variations between admission and peak, and variations between admission and day 3 were all determined. The correlations of those values with the onset of ARF and other negative outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 57 consecutive patients with a median ISS of 29 were included. ARF was present in 20 patients (38 %). CK-0 level was correlated with male gender (p < 0.027) and ISS (0.014); Mb-0 level was correlated with hypovolemic shock (0.003) and skeletal fracture (p < 0.043). CK-max was correlated with surgery (p < 0.038) and surgery duration (p < 0.014); Mb-max was correlated with surgery (p < 0.002) and anesthesia duration (p < 0.005). Δ-CK was correlated with surgery (p < 0.01) and surgery duration (p < 0.017), and Δ0-3-CK was correlated with surgery (p < 0.042). Logistic regression analysis found relationships between Δ0-3-CK and both ICU admission (p < 0.003) and MODS (p < 0.012), and between Mb-max and ARF (p < 0.034).

CONCLUSION

We found that a large number of factors are implicated in CK and Mb variations. Rhabdomyolysis is a very frequent complication, but increase in CK marker alone does not seem to be correlated with the incidence of ARF. Therefore, Mb level should be considered in this group of patients.

Utility of Serum Creatinine, Creatine Kinase and Urinary Myoglobin in Detecting Acute Renal Failure due to Rhabdomyolysis in Trauma and Electrical Burns Patients

Rhabdomyolysis due to trauma and burns is an important cause of acute renal failure (ARF) secondary to myoglobinuria. To prevent morbidity and mortality from ARF due to rhabdomyolysis, early detection of ARF by monitoring the biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, serum creatine kinase (CK), and urinary myoglobin (UM) can be helpful. The aims of the study were (1) to detect ARF due to rhabdomyolysis using serum creatinine, serum CK, and UM in trauma and electrical burn patients (2) to compare utility of these parameters in early prediction of ARF in patients of rhabdomyolysis. A total of 50 patients with trauma and electrical burns were included in the study. Serum creatinine, serum CK, and UM measurements were done at the time of admission and after 48 h. Diagnosis of ARF was made in the patients by Rifle's criteria. The presence of significant elevation of creatinine, serum CK, and UM at the time of admission and after 48 h was compared in patients developing ARF by Fisher's exact test. Fifteen of the 50 patients developed ARF as per the defined criteria. Of these, 9 patients (60 %) had raised level of serum creatinine above 1.4 mg% at admission and 14 patients (93.33 %) had CK level >1250 U/L at admission, whereas UM was positive in 6 (40 %) patients. Serum creatinine was significantly raised in all of the 15 ARF patients (100 %) after 48 h of admission and serum CK was raised in 14 of the 15 ARF patients (93.33 %). UM was negative in all the patients after 48 h of admission. Statistical analysis showed that rise in serum CK on admission was significantly increased in patients developing ARF as compared with serum creatinine and UM (P < 0.0001). On admission, CK is a better predictor of ARF due to rhabdomyolysis than creatinine and UM. Initial creatinine is a better predictor of ARF due to rhabdomyolysis than UM. UM assay is not a good investigation for early prediction of ARF in rhabdomyolysis.

High cut-off membrane hemodiafiltration in myoglobinuric acute renal failure: a case series

Acute renal failure is a major complication of rhabdomyolysis. New membranes for hemodialysis have been developed with a high cut-off pore size allowing efficient removal of myoglobin. We report on six patients treated by hemodiafiltration with a high cut-off membrane (HCO-HDF) for myoglobinuric acute renal failure. Rhabdomyolysis was caused by infection in two patients, by a statin in one patient and a non-traumatic crush in another, and followed cardiovascular surgery in two others. Ten HCO-HDF procedures were performed. A high cut-off hemofilter was used, with citrate anticoagulation and postdilutional fluid substitution of 2-3 L/h, dialysate flow 500 mL/min, and blood flow within 250-300 mL/min. Albumin losses were replaced by infusion of human albumin solution, and the mean myoglobin reduction ratio was 77% (range, 62-89%). An excellent clearance of 81 mL/min (range 42-131 mL/min) was achieved. Nearly 5 g of myoglobin was removed into the dialysate collected in one of the procedures. A high rebound in serum myoglobin, on average to 244% of the post-procedure myoglobin level, was observed. The four patients alive at the time remained anuric for a week. Slow myoglobin elimination with a mean half-time of 39 h (range 19-59 h) was observed in that period. Highly efficient myoglobin removal by high cut-off membrane hemodiafiltration was demonstrated in our patients. Rapid redistribution from the extracellular fluid and sustained myoglobin release were suggested by the high rebound observed. Elimination of myoglobin within the body was shown in our study to occur slowly during the period of anuria.

Late-onset rhabdomyolysis in burn patients in the intensive care unit

Rhabdomyolysis (RML), defined as creatine phosphokinase (CPK) >1000 U/L, is relatively common immediately after a significant burn. Late-onset RML, occurring a week or more after a burn, is less well understood and recognised. All patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following an acute burn between May 2006 and December 2009 were retrospectively identified. Patients with CPK>1000 U/L a week or more after their burn had a detailed notes review. Seventy-six patients were admitted during 43 months. Late-onset RML was demonstrated in 7/76 (9%) patients. They had a similar pattern of normal or mildly raised CPK on admission that resolved over the following days, but suddenly increased sharply to over 1000 U/L, a week or more after their burn, usually around day ten. A severe late-onset RML occurred in 5/76 (7%) patients, with a CPK rise of over 5000 U/L, and all required haemodialysis. Potential triggering factors for late-onset RML include sepsis, nephrotoxic drugs and hypophosphataemia. It is important to consider measuring CPK in all patients with the above complications, even after it has previously been observed to be normal, in order to initiate early treatment.

Rhabdomyolysis after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy -A case report-

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but potentially lethal clinical syndrome that results from acute muscle fiber necrosis with leakage of muscle constituents into blood. This devastating disease could be due to muscle compression caused by urologic positioning for a lengthy nephrectomy. In this regard, laparoscopic renal surgery may be a risk for the development of rhabdomyolysis. This phenomenon of massive muscle necrosis can produce secondary acute renal failure. The risk factors have to be managed carefully during anesthetic management. Here, we report a case of a patient with rhabdomyolysis that developed in the flexed lateral decubitus position during laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in severely burned patients

Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a precarious complication in severely burned patients and the principal treatment goal is prevention of acute renal failure (ARF). This 10-year retrospective study analyses the causes for RML in severely burned patients and evaluates treatment algorithms. Eight of 714 patients (1%) were diagnosed with RML. Percentage TBSA burn was 25 ± 13%. The mean abbreviated burn severity index score (ABSI) was 9 ± 2. ARF was found in 75% (6/8) of the patients. Serum myoglobin (MB) was reduced by 41 ± 16% after 24-h treatment by solitary volume repletion (VR) and by 44 ± 20% through VR+continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Mortality was 50% (4/8). Peak mean CPK-levels were more than two and MB-levels more than four times higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Burns associated with RML result in poor survival. VR and CVVHDF are effective measures in treating RML. CVVHDF is effective in removing MB when using high flux filter membranes. Early CVVHDF (within 24h of diagnosis) with high-cut off membranes could reduce the risk of ARF and mortality.

An Official ATS/ERS/ESICM/SCCM/SRLF Statement: Prevention and Management of Acute Renal Failure in the ICU Patient: an international consensus conference in intensive care medicine

OBJECTIVES

To address the issues of Prevention and Management of Acute Renal Failure in the ICU Patient, using the format of an International Consensus Conference.

METHODS AND QUESTIONS

Five main questions formulated by scientific advisors were addressed by experts during a 2-day symposium and a Jury summarized the available evidence: (1) Identification and definition of acute kidney insufficiency (AKI), this terminology being selected by the Jury; (2) Prevention of AKI during routine ICU Care; (3) Prevention in specific diseases, including liver failure, lung Injury, cardiac surgery, tumor lysis syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and elevated intraabdominal pressure; (4) Management of AKI, including nutrition, anticoagulation, and dialysate composition; (5) Impact of renal replacement therapy on mortality and recovery.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The Jury recommended the use of newly described definitions. AKI significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients, and adequate volume repletion is of major importance for its prevention, though correction of fluid deficit will not always prevent renal failure. Fluid resuscitation with crystalloids is effective and safe, and hyperoncotic solutions are not recommended because of their renal risk. Renal replacement therapy is a life-sustaining intervention that can provide a bridge to renal recovery; no method has proven to be superior, but careful management is essential for improving outcome.

Rhabdomyolysis: a review, with emphasis on the pediatric population

Rhabdomyolysis is a common clinical syndrome and accounts for 7% of all cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the USA. It can result from a wide variety of disorders, such as trauma, exercise, medications and infection, but in the pediatric population, infection and inherited disorders are the most common causes of rhabdomyolysis. Approximately half of patients with rhabdomyolysis present with the triad of myalgias, weakness and dark urine. The clinical suspicion, especially in the setting of trauma or drugs, is supported by elevated creatinine kinase levels and confirmed by the measurement of myoglobin levels in serum or urine. Muscle biopsy and genetic testing should be performed if rhabdomyolysis is recurrent or metabolic myopathy is suspected. Early recognition is important to prevent AKI through the use of aggressive hydration. Prevention is important in patients with inherited forms, but novel therapies may be developed with the better understanding of the pathophysiology and genetics of rhabdomyolysis.

Factors associated with nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure of children in Taiwan population

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated nontrauma causes of rhabdomyolysis and the factors associated with the development of acute renal failure (ARF) of children in Taiwan. We also explored the sex and age characteristics of patients with rhabdomyolysis.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted of patients younger than 17 years who were treated between January 1997 and December 2006 with a final diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two patients (136 boys and 36 girls) with a mean age of 7.28 years were enrolled. The most common nontrauma causes of rhabdomyolysis were viral myositis (124, 72%), physical exertion (12, 6%), seizure disorder and sepsis (7, 4.1%). Of 172 patients, 15 (8.72%) developed ARF and 5 (3%) received hemodialysis therapy. Several clinical and laboratory factors, such as serum creatine phosphokinase and serum myoglobin, were statistically associated with the development of ARF.

CONCLUSIONS

The series confirmed our clinical expectation and showed that viral myositis accounted for more than half of the cases. Physical exertion was the second. Seizure disorder and sepsis were the third most frequent causes. These findings are consistent with other reports except seizure disorder. Serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin were reliable predictors for the development of ARF. We found that children with rhabdomyolysis due to seizure are at highest risk of developing ARF. Our findings also indicate that the rate of ARF with pediatric rhabdomyolysis is in fact much lower than reported previously (8.7%).

Utility of urine myoglobin for the prediction of acute renal failure in patients with suspected rhabdomyolysis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Urine myoglobin continues to be used as a marker of rhabdomyolysis, particularly to assess risk of developing acute renal failure and evaluate treatment success. We sought to determine the predictive validity of urine myoglobin (uMb) for acute renal failure (ARF) in patients with suspected rhabdomyolysis.

METHODS

We performed a broad systemic review of the literature from January 1980 to December 2006 using the search terms myoglobin$ AND (renal OR ARF OR kidney). Only primary studies published in English where uMb measurement was related to ARF were included.

RESULTS

Of 1602 studies screened, 52 met all selection criteria. The studies covered a wide spectrum of etiologies for rhabdomyolysis, dissimilar diagnostic criteria for ARF and rhabdomyolysis, and various methods of uMb measurement and were mostly case series (n = 32). There was poor reporting on the uMb method, and 17 studies failed to provide any information about the method. The reporting of clinical criteria for ARF with respect to timing, description, performance, and interpretation also lacked adequate detail for replication. Eight studies (total 295 patients) had data for 2-by-2 tables. Sensitivity of the uMb test was 100% in 5 of the 8 studies, specificity varied widely (15% to 88%), and CIs around these measures were high. Pooling of data was not possible because of study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

There is inadequate evidence evaluating the use of uMb as a predictor of ARF in patients with suspected rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis Following Recent Severe Coxsackie Virus Infection in Patient with Chronic Renal Failure: One Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Coxsackie virus infection may be life-threatening, although in most cases, it is asymptomatic. Coxsackie virus infection can cause rhabdomyolysis. This study reports a 39-year-old female patient with chronic renal failure who presented with fever, myalgia, anuria, edema, vomiting, diarrhea, exacerbation of renal function, elevation of serum CK, CK-MB, CK-MM, myoglobin, and liver function abnormality. Serology for Coxsackie virus IgM antibody was positive at first, and IgG antibody became positive 4 weeks later. Muscle biopsy showed skeletal muscle denaturalization and necrosis. She underwent hemodialysis three times per week and then kidney transplantation. No evidence suggests relapse of Coxsackie virus infection 5 months after transplantation. As illustrated with the present case, serological testing may reveal an early, quick, and simple diagnosis in a case of rhabdomyolysis after a viral illness.

Management of burn injuries--recent developments in resuscitation, infection control and outcomes research

Introduction

Burn injury and its subsequent multisystem effects are commonly encountered by acute care practitioners. Resuscitation is the major component of initial burn care and must be managed to restore and preserve remote organ function. Later complications of burn injury are dominated by infection. Burn centers are often called to manage soft tissue problems outside thermal injury including soft tissue infection and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Methods

A selected review of recent reports published by the American Burn Association is provided.

Results

The burn-injured patient is easily and frequently over resuscitated with complications including delayed wound healing and respiratory compromise. A feedback protocol is designed to limit the occurrence of excessive resuscitation has been proposed but no new "gold standard" for resuscitation has replaced the Parkland formula. Significant additional work has been included in recent guidelines identifying specific infectious complications and criteria for these diagnoses in the burn-injured patient. While new medical therapies have been proposed for patients sustaining inhalation injury, a new standard of medical therapy has not emerged. Renal failure as a contributor to adverse outcome in burns has been reinforced by recent data generated in Scandinavia. Of special problems addressed in burn centers, soft tissue infections and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been reviewed but new treatment strategies have not been identified. The value of burn centers in management of burns and other soft tissue problems is supported in several recent reports.

Conclusion

Recent reports emphasize the dangers of over resuscitation in the setting of burn injury. No new medical therapy for inhalation injury exists but new standards for description of burn-related infections have been presented. The value of the burn center in care of soft tissue problems including Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and soft tissue infections is supported in recent papers.

Complete femoral artery and vein avulsion from a hyperextension injury: a case report and literature review

Blunt peripheral extremity vascular injuries are much less frequent than those of penetrating injuries, especially in the absence of significant musculoskeletal trauma. We present an unusual case of complete femoral artery and vein avulsion that resulted from a forced hip hyperextension and thigh abduction after slipping when a patient's foot became entrapped in a ladder. The patient presented with an acutely ischemic right lower extremity 8 hr postinjury, which necessitated immediate surgical exploration, temporary intravascular shunting, interposition grafting, and prophylactic fasciotomy. To our knowledge, this is the first such mechanism to be reported resulting in complete transection of both femoral artery and vein. We review the mechanism of injury and management.

Acute renal failure in intensive care burn patients (ARF in burn patients)

The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence and mortality of burn patients with acute renal failure (ARF) at the Helsinki Burn Centre and to analyze the associated factors. The files of 238 intensive care (ICU) patients of a total of 1380 burn patients admitted to our institution between November 1988 and December 2001 were studied retrospectively. Of all admitted burn patients, 17.2% needed ICU. According to our criteria (S-Cr >120 micromol/l = 1.4 mg/dl), 39.1% of the ICU patients suffered from ARF and one in three of these required renal replacement therapy. The proportion of all admitted burn patients requiring renal replacement therapy was 2.3%. The mortality of ICU patients with ARF was 44.1% whereas that of patients without ARF was only 6.9%. Renal function recovered in all survivors. The nonsurvivors had a larger burned total body surface area, were older, and had more inhalation injuries and a higher abbreviated burn severity index score. The prognosis for patients with early ARF was worse than that for patients with late ARF. Rhabdomyolysis caused by flame injury was associated with high mortality. In this study we observed that ARF is associated with higher mortality even in minor burns when compared with patients without ARF. Flame burn with rhabdomyolysis and subsequent ARF predicts very poor survival. If a patient with severe ARF survives, the renal failure recovers over time.

Changes in the incidence and outcome for early acute kidney injury in a cohort of Australian intensive care units

INTRODUCTION

There is limited information on whether the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients has changed over time and there is controversy on whether its outcome has improved.

METHODS

We interrogated the Australian New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database to obtain data on all adult admissions to 20 Australian intensive care units (ICUs) for >or= 24 hours from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2005. Trends in incidence and mortality for ICU admissions associated with early AKI were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 91,254 patient admissions to the 20 study ICUs, with 4,754 cases of AKI, for an estimated crude cumulative incidence of 5.2% (95% confidence interval, 5.1 to 5.4). The incidence of AKI increased during the study period, with an estimated annual increment of 2.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 5.6, P = 0.04). The crude hospital mortality was significantly higher for patients with AKI than those without (42.7% versus 13.4%; odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 4.5 to 5.1; P < 0.0001). There was also a decrease in AKI crude mortality (annual percentage change, -3.4%; 95% confidence interval, -4.7 to -2.12; P < 0.001), however, which was not seen in patients without AKI. After covariate adjustment, AKI remained associated with a higher mortality (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.32; P < 0.001) and there was a declining trend in the odds ratio for hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Over the past decade, in a large cohort of critically ill patients admitted to 20 Australian ICUs, there has been a significant rise in the incidence of early AKI while the mortality associated with AKI has declined.

Renal ultrasonography in critically ill patients

Acute renal failure is a sudden and sustained decrease in the glomerular filtration rate associated with a loss of excretory function and the accumulation of metabolic waste products and water. It leads to an increase in serum urea and creatinine, usually with a decrease in urine output. Although routine surveillance of patients by means of laboratory examinations has been well defined, very little is known about renal imaging. Modern technology has provided a large number of sophisticated monitoring systems. Ultrasonography with color-Doppler study of the kidneys may be indicated as a possible monitor of renal perfusion. Ultrasonography is often used as the initial imaging procedure in the examination of patients with renal failure. Aside from excluding hydronephrosis, it is well recognized in characterizing the type of renal disease, especially in an acute setting. This article describes the use of ultrasound to achieve the proper diagnosis of acute renal diseases and to enable the appropriate and early assessment of these patients in intensive care units.

Emergency Department Hypotension is not an Independent Risk Factor for Post-Traumatic Acute Renal Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Hypotension has been considered to be associated with renal dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to characterize the association of Emergency Department Hypotension (EDHypo) with post-traumatic renal insufficiency (RI) and renal failure (RF).

METHODS

A Level I center Intensive Care Unit database was analyzed. We reviewed all adult trauma patients surviving for more than 24 hours. EDHypo was defined as admission systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg, RI was defined as a peak serum creatine of > or = 2.0 mg/dL, RF was defined as requiring dialysis.

RESULTS

There were 2,574 admissions studied and RI occurred in 8.3% (213) of these patients whereas RF occurred in 1.1% (28). The mortality rate with RI was 41.0% (89) and 50.0% (14) with RF. There was no significant change in the incidence of RI, RF, or RI associated mortality during the study period. EDHypo was present in 7.9% (203) of patients and the incidence of RI was significantly higher than that of non-EDHypo patients (12.2% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.028). The incidence of RF was not different (1.0% vs. 1.1%). EDHypo was not independently associated with RI or RF but Injury Severity Score > 16, renal injury, age > 55, Body Mass Index > 30, male gender, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission creatine kinase > or = 5,000 U/L had an independent association with RI. No risk factor in patients with RI could reliably predict RF.

CONCLUSIONS

EDhypo is not independently associated with post-traumatic RI or RF but severity of injury, renal injury, age, Body Mass Index, male gender, and elevated creatinine kinase are independently associated with RI. In critically ill trauma patients the incidence of RI and RF and the associated mortality rate has not changed significantly during a 6-year period despite, presumably, better understanding of resuscitative strategies.