Recurrent Rhabdomyolysis and Extreme Exercise- A Case Study

Objective: To present the case of recurrent rhabdomyolysis in an active female Background: A healthy 21 year old female developed severe fatigue and peripheral edema in the upper extremities after an extreme exercise workout session. 4 ½ months later she participated in a similar exercise session with a personal trainer and experienced the same symptoms. Differential Diagnosis: In the initial case, upon physical examination and review of blood work a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made. After the second exercise session athlete was diagnosed with recurrent rhabdomyolysis and was advised to seek treatment at the local emergency room. Treatment: In the initial case the athlete was told by medical personnel to increase fluid intake and rest. In the second case athlete was treated at the emergency room with IV fluids. Uniqueness: The athlete was female, and most cases of rhabdomyolysis occur in males. Athlete was treated for rhabdomyolysis and recurrent rhabdomyolysis, however these diagnosis were made 4 ½ months apart. Also, both cases appear to be the result of the same type of exercise session. Conclusion: There does not appear to be a definitive protocol for an accurate diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Guidelines for return to activity should be evaluated on a case by case basis, and a conservative increase in intensity of exercise is warranted to prevent a case of recurrent rhabdomyolysis