Role of Corticosteroids in Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition that involves rapid breakdown of injured skeletal muscle, resulting in the leakage of muscle contents into the circulation. The most common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, muscle overexertion, alcohol abuse, and the use of certain medications and illicit drugs. The goal of the treatment is usually to maintain adequate volume repletion to prevent renal failure and metabolic abnormalities. Hemodialysis is an alternative therapy to prevent renal failure when there is no response to aggressive intravenous hydration. We present a case of severe rhabdomyolysis that was refractory to the current standard of care and showed dramatic improvement with corticosteroids.