Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, progressive, life-threatening condition of thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and renal impairment. The mechanisms underlying aHUS remain unclear. Herein, we present the first case in the literature of aHUS after a traumatic injury. A 55-year-old male visited the emergency department after a traumatic injury caused by a tree limb. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a rectal wall defect with significant air density in the perirectal space and preperitoneum, implying rectal perforation. Due to the absence of intraperitoneal intestinal perforation, we performed diverting sigmoid loop colostomy. An additional intermittent simple repair was performed due to perianal and anal injuries. One day postoperatively, his urine output abruptly decreased and serum creatinine level increased. His platelet level decreased, and a spiking fever occurred after 2 days. The patient was diagnosed with acute renal failure secondary to aHUS and was treated with fresh frozen plasma replacement. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was also started for oliguria and uremic symptoms. The patient received CRRT for 3 days and intermittent hemodialysis thereafter. After hemodialysis and subsequent supportive treatment, his urine output and renal function improved. The hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia also gradually improved. Dialysis was terminated on day 22 of admission and the patient was discharged after recovery. This case suggests that that a traumatic event can trigger aHUS, which should be considered in patients who have thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical for favorable outcomes.
In patients with trauma, rhabdomyolysis (RM) can lead to fatal complications resulting from muscle damage. Thus, RM must be immediately diagnosed and treated to prevent complications. Creatine kinase (CK) is the most sensitive marker for diagnosing RM. However, relying on CK tests may result in delayed treatment, as it takes approximately 1 hour to obtain CK blood test results. Hence, this study investigated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could predict RM at an earlier time point in patients with trauma, since NLR results can be obtained within 10 minutes.
This retrospective study included 130 patients with severe trauma who were admitted to the emergency room of a tertiary institution between January 2017 and April 2020. RM was defined as a CK level ≥1,000 U/L at the time of arrival. Patients with severe trauma were categorized into non-RM and RM groups, and their characteristics and blood test results were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows.
Of the 130 patients with severe trauma, 50 presented with RM. In the multivariate analysis, the NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.252; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.130– 1.386), pH level (OR, 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000–0.198), presence of acute kidney injury (OR, 3.009; 95% CI, 1.140–7.941), and extremity Abbreviated Injury Scale score (OR, 1.819; 95% CI, 1.111–2.980) significantly differed between the non-RM and RM groups. A receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a cut-off NLR value of 3.64 was the best for predicting RM.
In patients with trauma, the NLR at the time of arrival at the hospital is a useful biochemical marker for predicting RM.
Rhabdomyolysis (RB) is a syndrome characterized by the decomposition of striated muscles and leakage of their contents into the bloodstream. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most significant and serious complication of RB and is a major cause of mortality in patients with RB. Severe RB (creatine kinase [CK] ≥5,000) has been associated with AKI. However, early prediction is difficult because CK can reach peak levels 1?3 days after the trauma. Hence, the aim of our study was to identify predictors of severe RB using initial patient information and parameters.
We retrospectively analyzed 1,023 blunt trauma patients admitted to a single tertiary hospital between August 2011 and March 2018. Patients with previously diagnosed chronic kidney disease were excluded from the study. RB and severe RB were defined as a CK level ≥1,000 U/L and ≥5,000 U/L, respectively. The diagnosis of AKI was based on RIFLE criteria.
The overall incidence of RB and severe RB was 31.3% (n=320) and 6.2% (n=63), respectively. On multivariable analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43 to 10.00), initial base excess (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.90), initial CK (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.57), and extremity abbreviated injury scale score (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.29) were found to predict severe RB. The results of receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the best cutoff value for the initial serum CK level predictive of severe RB was 1,494 U/L.
Male patients with severe extremity injuries, low base excess, and initial CK level >1,500 U/L should receive vigorous fluid resuscitation.
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Spinning-induced rhabdomyolysis (SIR) has been increasing in recent years and accounts for a large proportion of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis (EIR). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical features between SIR and non-spinning exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis (NSIR), and to analyze each of these clinical features.
A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients treated due to EIR from January 2006 to March 2018. Patients were divided into the SIR and NSIR groups, and their clinical factors, outcome, and blood chemistries were compared and analyzed.
Sixty-two patients were enrolled in this study, with 23 (37.1%) and 39 (62.9%) patients categorized in the SIR and NSIR groups, respectively. The SIR group were mostly women (78.3% vs. 38.5%,
SIR occurs at a higher rate during the first exercise class in women compared to NSIR, and the incidence rate is higher in SIR than in NSIR despite its shorter exercise duration (less than 60 minutes). It is necessary to recognize these risks during spinning exercises and to perform these exercises sequentially and systematically.
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