Definition

Rhabdomyolysis literally means striated muscle dissolution or disintegration.

The syndrome is characterised by muscle breakdown and necrosis resulting in leakage of intracellular muscle constituents (Myoglobin, proteins and electrolytes) into the extracellular fluid and circulation.

Clinically, the most apt definition of rhabdomyolysis is an acute increase in serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK) to greater than five times the upper limit of normal (with myocardial infarction excluded).

The image shows discoloured ‘tea coloured’ urine, a clinical manifestation of rhabdomyolysis.

Threshold Levels

The normal range is between 30-190 IU/litre. So readings over 200 can be considered as elevated. Anything over 950 IU/litre is diagnostic of rhabdomyolysis.

It is worth noting that there is a poor correlation between the serum creatinine level and the clinical manifestations of rhabdomyolysis.