Mathew Desjardins and Barnaby Strange discuss the aetiology and management of traumatic pathological breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue
Described as the pathological breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue in response to major injury, traumatic rhabdomyolysis iwas first recorded, during the second world war, a far greater understanding of its pathology has informed pre-hospital assessment and management of the condition. This article describes the aetiology of the condition and explores associated complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, hyperkalaemia, acute renal failure and compartment syndrome resulting from prolonged limb entrapment. The article also reviews the literature about management of the condition for hospital and out-of-hospital settings.
Emergency Nurse. 21, 8, 28-33. doi: 10.7748/en2013.12.21.8.28.e1221
Correspondencemathew.desjardins@hotmail.co.uk
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interestNone declared
Author guidelinesReceived: 26 July 2013
Accepted: 15 October 2013
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