Rhabdomyolysis: A rare and often-missed complication of diabetic ketoacidosis

A 19-year-old male with type 1 diabetes mellitus (diagnosed at 12 years of age) was brought to the emergency room with fever and altered sensorium. His compliance with his insulin regimen was questionable. Examination revealed a Glasgow Coma Scale of 5/15, sluggishly-reacting pupils, severe dehydration, and fever (temperature 38.8°C). Vital signs at the upper limit of normal, urethral catheter drained dark red urine with output of 1–2 ml/kg/hr. Laboratory investigations showed hyperglycemia (250 mg/dL), ketonuria (+) hematuria (+++) and proteinuria (++), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) – 9.6%. Full blood count showed leukopenia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia. Deranged electrolytes included hypernatremia, metabolic acidosis, and hypophosphatemia with elevated urea and blood urea nitrogen. Serum creatinine kinase (CK) was elevated. A diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with rhabdomyolysis (RM) and raised intracranial pressure was made and he was managed with adequate fluid resuscitation, osmotic diuresis, glycemic control, platelet transfusion, and antibiotics with clinical improvement. Normal CK levels were documented 3 months later. RM is a rare complication of DKA. High index of suspicion should be maintained for prompt detection and management to prevent potential complications, especially acute kidney injury.