Treatment for rhabdomyolysis

Initial treatment for rhabdomyolysis involves:

• pressure care
• intravenous fluids to maintain a urine output of 1 to 2 mL/kg/hour
• treating life-threatening hyperkalaemia, if present
• treating the underlying cause if possible (eg coma, snake bite)

Refer patients with oliguria and worsening kidney function to a nephrologist early, as they may require several weeks of haemodialysis.

For patients with compartment syndrome, in addition to supportive care, urgent surgery may be required to relieve pressure in the muscle compartment and limit ongoing injury.