Korean J Med.  2001 Feb;60(2):183-187.

A case of morphine induced rhabdomyolysis

• Bae MH

Abstract

Drugs are important causes of rhabdomyolysis. Opiate drugs are one of the important causes of rhabdomyolysis in foreign countries. In Korea, however, there is no report of opiate-induced rhabdomyolysis. We experienced a case of rhabdomyolysis developed after a morphine overdose for suicidal intent. The patient was a 27-year-old man presenting with comatose mentality. He initially suffered from the manifestations of acute opiate intoxication including central nervous system depression, respiratory depression and hyperthermia. He was treated with intravenous naloxone and mechanical ventilator for one day. Results of further investigations showed evidence of rhabdomyolysis. After he was treated with general supportive care including hydration, urine alkalinization, and cold blanket, his condition was fully recovered. This case highlights the importance of the suspicion of opiate overdose as a cause of rhabdomyolysis in any rhabdomyolysis patient with no definite etiology.

Keyword

Morphine sulfate; Rhabdomyolysis; Hyperthermia

MeSH Terms

Adult
Central Nervous System
Coma
Depression
Fever
Humans
Korea
Morphine*
Naloxone
Respiratory Insufficiency
Rhabdomyolysis*
Ventilators, Mechanical
Morphine
Naloxone