Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Rhabdomyolysis is a severe clinical symptom of variable etiology. Acquired factors of exogenous origin such as traumata and endogenous metabolic disturbances have to be separated from hereditary disease as causative mechanism. Most frequently, exertional stress during hyperthermia, traumatic damage or ethanol abuse are observed. ⋯ Therapeutic options are to correct the hypovolemia with sufficient fluid supply, the prevention of oliguria using loop diuretics, alkalinization of the urine, normalization of serum electrolytes with reduction of hyperkaemia, and decompression of compartment syndromes. An underlying disease should be evaluated to initiate specific therapeutical and preventative steps. Avoiding pre-disposing factors by identifying the mechanisms of disease will reduce the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis with its still high mortality.