[Rhabdomyolysis in self-induced poisoning. A prospective study].

In a prospective study of 103 patients hospitalized for self-poisoning the incidence of rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase > 1000 U/l) was nearly 7%. A further 9.7% had elevated creatine kinase activity, but lower than 1000 U/l. Two patients showed clinical symptoms of rhabdomyolysis at time of admission; one after heroin and the other after salicylate intoxication. Both developed renal failure, and one of them underwent peritoneal dialysis. The high incidence of rhabdomyolysis found in the study suggests that creatine kinase activity should be considered in all cases of intoxication admitted to hospital. Rhabdomyolysis may often present no symptoms even in conscious patients, and serious complications can be limited by preventive measures if rhabdomyolysis is recognized early.