Table 3

Mechanisms of cellular destruction in rhabdomyolysis

Method

Mechanism


Direct injury to cell membrane

Crushing, tearing, burning, pounding, poisoning, dissolving

Muscle cell hypoxia leading to depletion of ATP

Anerobic conditions: shock states, vascular occlusion, and tissue compression

Electrolyte disturbance disrupting the sodium–potassium pump

Hypokalemia: vomiting, diarrhea, extensive diuresis

Hyponatremia: water intoxication


Huerta-Alardín et al. Critical Care 2005 9:158   doi:10.1186/cc2978