Hyperkalemia and Rhabdomyolyssis

Dear Editor,

The problem of hyperkalemia is an important consideration in family medicine practice. The early detection of the problem means favorable outcome of management. Here, the authors report an interesting case of unexpected hyperkalemia and rhabdomyolyssis. The patient is a 54-years-old patient presented to the physician in charge with the complaint of fatigue, muscle pain, and abnormal cardiac rhythm. The patient was previously healthy without any personal illness. He gave the history of daily long exercise in the past week. This case was investigated and the important finding include ‘serum CPK level = 760 mg/dL’, ‘serum K level = 5.8 mEq/L (repeated analysis, no hemolysis)’, ‘hemoglobinuria’, and EKG showed ‘peaked T wave’. This case is diagnosed to have a problem of hyperkalemia relating to rhabdomyolysis. This case was consulted to the specialist for management of the problem. In general, rhabdomyolysis can be a forgotten problem in general family practice.[1] It can be missed and simple managed as the myalgia. An important consideration is the fact that rhabodmyolysis can lead to several complications including hyperkalemia.[2,3] The present case shows the hyperkalemia which needs proper management. Agrawal et al. noted that ‘the vigilance required toward the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis, which if not detected promptly may prove fatal.’[4] It is suggested that the complete assessment should be given in any case with presentation of muscle pain accompanied with cardiac rhythmic compliant.