Korean J Med.  2015 Oct;89(4):461-464. 10.3904/kjm.2015.89.4.461.

A Case of Rhabdomyolysis Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury Complicating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Nho SY
• Lee IH
• Ahn KS
• Hyeon DS
• Kang GW

• KMID: 2268982
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2015.89.4.461

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has increased rapidly in South Korea and may cause a variety of clinical effects. The most common complications are neurologic and neuropsychological disturbances. However, in rare cases, CO poisoning may also be associated with acute kidney injury and non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Here, we report a case of acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis complicating CO poisoning. A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with dyspnea and confused consciousness after exposure to CO during a suicide attempt involving charcoal briquettes. Laboratory findings revealed a carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level of 44.8%, a blood urea nitrogen level of 20.5 mg/dL, a serum creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL, and a creatine phosphokinase level of 8,688.3 IU/L. Acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis complicating CO poisoning were diagnosed. This case was managed with normobaric oxygen therapy and hydration. The patient recovered completely with respect to renal function and muscle enzyme level, and COHb level returned to 0%.

Keyword

Carbon monoxide poisoning; Acute kidney injury; Rhabdomyolysis

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury*
Adult
Blood Urea Nitrogen
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning*
Carbon Monoxide*
Carbon*
Carboxyhemoglobin
Charcoal
Consciousness
Creatine Kinase
Creatinine
Dyspnea
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Humans
Korea
Oxygen
Poisoning
Rhabdomyolysis*
Suicide
Carbon
Carbon Monoxide
Carboxyhemoglobin
Charcoal
Creatine Kinase
Creatinine
Oxygen