Rhabdomyolysis

Breakdown of striated (i.e. cardiac and skeletal muscle)
releases
- creatinine
  - so massively increased
- creatinine kinase
- urate
- phosphate
- potassium
Calcium is deposited in injury initially - so will get hypocalcaemia early
As injury heals, calcium released leading to hypercalcaemia
Some poisoning of kidney by myoglobin leads to small increase in plasma urea but creatinine significantly more increased

The CSM estimates that Rhabdomyolosis associated with lipid-lowering drugs such as the fibrates and statins occurs rarely (1 in 100000 treatment years), but may be increased in renal impairment and possibly hypothyroidism. Additionally, concomitant treatment with Cyclosporin may increase plasma-statin concentrations and hence risk of muscle toxicity. Patients must therefore be advised before commencing treatment to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness.