Massive Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Influenza A Infection

A 20-year-old male with massive rhabdomyolysis associated with a high fever and acute renal failure is reported. Influenza A infection was confirmed serologically. Myoglobin kinetics was studied in this case. Blood myoglobin fell exponentially independent of renal function or therapeutic modality such as hemodialysis/filtration, once myoglobin release into the circulation ceased. The finding suggested that catabolic steps of myoglobin take place extrarenally in patients with massive rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.(Internal Medicine 33: 450-453, 1994)