Abstract
A case of fulminant alcoholic rhabdomyolysis (RML) was recently encountered. This paper reports the details of this case, with reference to the Japanese statistics for this condition.
The patient was a 35-year-old male and there was a history of alcohol abuse. In a detention house, he developed tremor of the extremities and suddenly went into shock, accompanied by consciousness disturbance. For these reasons, he was admitted to our hospital.
Based on physical examinations, urinalysis and hematological tests administered upon admission, he was diagnosed as having alcoholic RML. Kidney function improved after repeated hemodialysis, while hepatic function remained poor throughout the hospitalization period. Although the patient showed temporary improvement in his condition, he developed multiple organ failure and died on the 62nd hospital day.
Prior to this, 16 cases of alcoholic RML have been reported in Japan. Although 15 of these 16 patients were reported to be heavy drinkers, no detailed data on their hepatic function were reported. In the treatment of alcoholic RML, it seems important to pay attention to alcoholic hepatic failure as well as to renal failure.
