Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury in a Patient with Severe Form of Covid-19 Pneumonia- A Case Report
Journal
BANTAO Journal
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Milenkova, Mimoza
Naumovski, Krume
Abstract
Introduction. The ongoing pandemic with the novel
Corona virus poses unprecented challenges for the me-
dical professionals worldwide. Acute kidney injury is
frequently seen in patients infected with corona virus and
often associated with a poor patient outcome. Rhabdo-
myolysis has been recognized as one of the possible
contributing mechanisms.
Case. A 68-year-old man was referred to the emergen-
cy department complaining of a dry cough, myalgia,
general weakness with devastated energy feeling, chest
pain and difficulties in breathing, symptoms he expe-
rienced in the past five days. He also noticed that his
urine was dark and in reduced amount. Quick antigen
test for SARS CoV2 was performed, and the patient
found Covid-19 positive. He was admitted at the hos-
pital ward in a covid-designated unit. Laboratory findings
revealed elevation of the inflammatory markers and elec-
trolyte disbalance. Metabolic degradation products were
markedly increased, serum urea was 44mmol/L (RF=2.7-
7.8 mmol/L) and serum creatinine 689umol/L (RF=45-
109umol/L), when deterioration of the kidney function
was diagnosed. Urgent intermittent hemodialysis treatment
was initiated. Patient suffered from a severe form of
covid-19 pneumonia and was continuously on high flow
oxygen mask. Duration of the patient hospitalization was
30 days, and thereafter, he was transferred to the reha-
bilitation center for 28 days. Complete restoration of
the physical motion and activity was accomplished,
oxygen support was no longer needed, since he main-
tained blood oxygen saturation above 95%. Renal func-
tion has also been recovered with degradation products
maintained within normal ranges.
Conclusion. Rhabdomyolysis in covid-19 patients should
be always kept in mind. Sometimes it can be an initial
clinical manifestation in covid-19 patients [15], but on
the other hand it can be presented as a late complication
sometimes caused by the therapy itself. Multidiscipli-
nary and comprehensive approach in the diagnosis, treat-
ment and follow up of the patients can only guarantee
timely detection and wide range of therapeutical moda-
lity, leading to a better prognosis and outcome.
Corona virus poses unprecented challenges for the me-
dical professionals worldwide. Acute kidney injury is
frequently seen in patients infected with corona virus and
often associated with a poor patient outcome. Rhabdo-
myolysis has been recognized as one of the possible
contributing mechanisms.
Case. A 68-year-old man was referred to the emergen-
cy department complaining of a dry cough, myalgia,
general weakness with devastated energy feeling, chest
pain and difficulties in breathing, symptoms he expe-
rienced in the past five days. He also noticed that his
urine was dark and in reduced amount. Quick antigen
test for SARS CoV2 was performed, and the patient
found Covid-19 positive. He was admitted at the hos-
pital ward in a covid-designated unit. Laboratory findings
revealed elevation of the inflammatory markers and elec-
trolyte disbalance. Metabolic degradation products were
markedly increased, serum urea was 44mmol/L (RF=2.7-
7.8 mmol/L) and serum creatinine 689umol/L (RF=45-
109umol/L), when deterioration of the kidney function
was diagnosed. Urgent intermittent hemodialysis treatment
was initiated. Patient suffered from a severe form of
covid-19 pneumonia and was continuously on high flow
oxygen mask. Duration of the patient hospitalization was
30 days, and thereafter, he was transferred to the reha-
bilitation center for 28 days. Complete restoration of
the physical motion and activity was accomplished,
oxygen support was no longer needed, since he main-
tained blood oxygen saturation above 95%. Renal func-
tion has also been recovered with degradation products
maintained within normal ranges.
Conclusion. Rhabdomyolysis in covid-19 patients should
be always kept in mind. Sometimes it can be an initial
clinical manifestation in covid-19 patients [15], but on
the other hand it can be presented as a late complication
sometimes caused by the therapy itself. Multidiscipli-
nary and comprehensive approach in the diagnosis, treat-
ment and follow up of the patients can only guarantee
timely detection and wide range of therapeutical moda-
lity, leading to a better prognosis and outcome.