CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL FINDINGS OF RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN ACUTE INTOXICATIONS WITH PSYCHOACTIVE AND CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify possible differences in demographic, laboratory and clinical characteristics between patients with rhabdomyolysis due to intoxication with psychoactive and chemical substances. The study is a cross-sectional study conducted between 1 January and 30 June 2019. All the patients included during this period were treated due to intoxication (outpatient or hospitalized) at the University Clinic of Toxicology in Skopje. The patients with rhabdomyolysis were divided in two groups according to the nature of the substance used for intoxication: a) psychoactive substances and b) a chemical substance. Rhabdomyolysis was determined with a value of CPK (creatinine phosphate kinase) >250 U/L. Patients with rhabdomyolysis due to intoxication with chemical substances were significantly older than patients with rhabdomyolysis due to intoxication with psychoactive substances. There is a significant difference between the two groups of patients with rhabdomyolysis in terms of CPK, urea, hemoglobin values during the first day with regards to significantly higher values in the group where intoxication occurred with psychoactive substances. Five patients with rhabdomyolysis due to intoxication with psychoactive substances experienced muscle pain (10.9%), and one patient (3.8%) of those with rhabdomyolysis due to intoxication with chemicals, without any significant association between muscle pain and type of intoxication (Fisher exact test: p=0.3003). Muscle weakness and pigmented urine were identified consequently in six patients (13.0%) vs. five (10.9%) of patients with psychoactive intoxication and none with chemical. Rhabdomyolysis caused by psychoactive and chemical substances is associated with clinical manifestations and biochemical abnormalities. The values of CPK, myoglobin, AST, ALT, LDH, urea and creatinine were higher in favor of the group of intoxicated patients with rhabdomyolysis with psychoactive substances. The clinical symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are not present in all intoxicated patients, but are more present in the group intoxicated with psychoactive substances. Biochemical findings are crucial in establishing the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Abnormalities of biochemical findings need to be identified in order to initiate appropriate treatment immediately to prevent mortality and morbidity.