Acute Tubular Necrosis from Rhabdomyolysis from Leg Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report

Evaluation of Clinical and Venous Blood Parameters as Surrogate Indicators in Assessing the Need for Fasciotomy in Lower Limb Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome in the lower limb, a surgical emergency, may cause ischemic damage to muscles and neurological deficits leading to loss of function of the limb which may even require amputation, thus drastically affecting the quality of life of a patient. Fasciotomy for decompression is suggested when the differential pressure in the compartment of the leg is ≤30 mm Hg. However, compartment pressure measurement is not always feasible. Surgeons often find themselves in a dilemma in deciding the right treatment option for the patient: fasciotomy or conservative management. Since there is no universally accepted reference standard for the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome at present, there is a need for definitive diagnostic variables so as to not delay fasciotomy in patients who need it, as well as to avoid unnecessary fasciotomies, especially when compartment pressures cannot be measured. In this observational study including 71 patients, based on the compartment pressures of the affected limb, treatment was done either with fasciotomy or conservative approach, and various clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated in between these two groups. Statistically significant difference was found in the venous blood gas parameters between patients managed conservatively and with fasciotomy (MANOVA, P = .001). The results revealed the association of lower venous blood bicarbonate levels (independent sample t test, P = .021) and the presence of paresthesia (Fisher exact test, P = .0016) with the fasciotomy group. Also, pain on passive stretching of the affected limb was found to be significantly associated with a delta pressure of ≤30 mm Hg in any compartment (Fisher exact test, P = .002). These variables may thus be used as an alternative to the measurement of compartment pressure to assess the requirement of fasciotomy.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by the breakdown and necrosis of muscle tissue and the release of intracellular content into the blood stream. There are multiple and diverse causes of rhabdomyolysis but central to the pathophysiology is the destruction of the sarcolemmal membrane and release of intracellular components into the systemic circulation. The clinical presentation may vary, ranging from an asymptomatic increase in serum levels of enzymes released from damaged muscles to worrisome conditions such as volume depletion, metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The diagnosis is confirmed when the serum creatine kinase (CK) level is > 1000 U/L or at least 5x the upper limit of normal. Other important tests to request include serum myoglobin, urinalysis (to check for myoglobinuria), and a full metabolic panel including serum creatinine and electrolytes. Prompt recognition of rhabdomyolysis is important in order to allow for timely and appropriate treatment. A McMahon score, calculated on admission, of 6 or greater is predictive of AKI requiring renal replacement therapy. Treatment of the underlying cause of the muscle insult is the first component of rhabdomyolysis management. Early and aggressive fluid replacement using crystalloid solution is the cornerstone for preventing and treating AKI due to rhabdomyolysis. Electrolyte imbalances must be treated with standard medical management. There is, however, no established benefit of using mannitol or giving bicarbonate infusion. In general, the prognosis of rhabdomyolysis is excellent when treated early and aggressively.