[Two cases of alcoholics associated with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure]

Abstract

Two cases of alcoholics associated with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure were reported. Case 1 was a 67-year-old male who had complained of general fatigue and generalized muscle pain. He had drunken and slept outdoor in winter until he was found. Laboratory data on admission showed remarkable elevation of muscle enzymes (AST, LDH, CPK) and serum levels of myoglobin, BUN, and Cr. He was treated with hemodialysis because of acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis and recovered from renal failure. Case 2 was a 50-year-old male who had been unconscious and suffered from muscle weakness. He had drunken and slept in the bed for several days without eating any food until he was found by his sister. Laboratory data on admission showed remarkable elevation of muscle enzymes and serum levels of myoglobin, BUN, and Cr. It also showed hypoglycemia and hyponatremia. He developed into acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis, but had a good clinical course without hemodialysis. The rhabdomyolysis of case 1 might have been caused by alcohol and sleeping outdoor in winter. That of case 2 might have been caused by alcohol and pressure necrosis due to immobility for several days in his bed.