Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2024 Apr;31(1):136-139. 10.14776/piv.2024.31.e6.

Rhabdomyolysis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: A Case Report and Systematic Review

• Oh NW
• Gwag SH
• Cho KS
• Choe YJ

• KMID: 2555435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2024.31.e6

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome that causes various complications due to the release of substances from muscle cells, often associated with preceding infectious diseases. We report the case of a 7-year-old Korean boy with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, presenting with fever, chills, and generalized body aches, diagnosed as rhabdomyolysis. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review with the aim of delineating the disease spectrum, treatment, and outcomes. We identified seven reports that met the inclusion criteria. Among the cases, 5 had fever, with creatine kinase levels ranging from 3,717 and 274,664 IU/L. Two individuals received treatment in intensive care unit, 2 underwent renal replacement therapy, and 1 case has deceased. For children with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and muscle pain, a thorough examination of urine color and an assessment of muscle enzymes through blood tests can help diagnose and treat rhabdomyolysis, a condition that might otherwise be overlooked.

Keyword

Rhabdomyolysis; Myositis; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2