Open AccessCrush syndrome in a case of severe infant physical abuse: a case report
Author(s) -
Maria Florou,
Vassilis Lambropoulos,
Vasileios Mouravas,
Chrysostomos Kepertis,
Dimitrios Godosis,
Kleanthis Anastasiadis,
Christos Kaselas,
Savvas Mavromatidis,
Ioannis Spyridakis
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.172.30309
Subject(s) - rhabdomyolysis , medicine , accidental , population , blunt trauma , crush injury , pediatrics , traumatic injury , intensive care medicine , surgery , environmental health , physics , acoustics
Crush syndrome, also known as traumatic rhabdomyolysis, is the result of the disruption of skeletal muscle fibers with the release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream. Although trauma is the main trigger for rhabdomyolysis in adults, in the pediatric population viral infections and inherited disorders seem to be the most frequent causes. Only a few reports in the literature mention rhabdomyolysis secondary to non-accidental pediatric trauma. We herein report an unusual case of traumatic rhabdomyolysis, following significant physical abuse in an infant. Rhabdomyolysis should be suspected in children presenting with a history of excessive blunt trauma, because a prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent from the potential life-threatening consequences.