Severe rhabdomyolysis following a possible sea snake bite: A case report

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by muscle necrosis and the release of muscle constituents into the circulation. Rhabdomyolysis has several causes, however many of them are complex or ambiguous. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to complications such as acute kidney injury AKI), electrolyte abnormalities, compartment syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The main stray of management principle is the prevention of acute kidney injury by hydration, alkalization and diuresis, with correction of electrolyte imbalances and acidosis.In our case, a 38-year-old man presented with generalized body swelling, body pain and dark urine after a possible sea snake bite when he visited Mannar Gulf. Blood workup showed significantly elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). With proper hydration and alkaline diuresis, the patient did not develop AKI or electrolyte imbalances and he was discharged after 2 weeks with a significant reduction in CPK and clinical improvement.