Rhabdomyolysis and Obstetric Correlates: Literature Perspectives for the Obstetric Anesthesiologist

Rabiu Momoh

doi:10.24018/ejmed.2021.3.6.1098

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis complicating the antepartum or peripartum period is not a commonly reported finding and where they occur, it can be life-threatening. The problem with rhabdomyolysis during pregnancy or labour is the potential harmful systemic and local effects it can cause. These includes cardiac arrhythmias, acute kidney injury, clotting problems in severe cases [1]. To the fetus, foetal distress or foetal demise could be the end-result where timely management is not initiated [2].

Highlights

Common causes of rhabdomyolysis known include severe exercises, crush injuries, burns, falls, prolonged immobilization, tetanus, status epilepticus, drug-induced, malignant hyperthermia among other causes
Reference [4] in their presentation at the 2019 New York State Society of Anesthesiologists’ Postgraduate Assembly described the case of a 32-year-old female who developed gluteal and hip muscle groups pain after the withdrawal of labour epidural analgesia for a spontaneous vaginal twin delivery
There were no severe complications like acute kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmias, compartment syndrome or hematologic conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulopathy associated with the case they reported [4]

Summary

Introduction

Common causes of rhabdomyolysis known include severe exercises, crush injuries, burns, falls, prolonged immobilization, tetanus, status epilepticus, drug-induced (statins), malignant hyperthermia among other causes. Reference [4] in their presentation at the 2019 New York State Society of Anesthesiologists’ Postgraduate Assembly described the case of a 32-year-old female who developed gluteal and hip muscle groups pain after the withdrawal of labour epidural analgesia for a spontaneous vaginal twin delivery (with evident raised serum creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels that lowered with intravenous hydration).

Results

Conclusion