Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure following status asthmaticus.

Acute renal failure developed in a 25-year-old man following status asthmaticus. He was found to have myoglobinuria. Vigorous contraction of the respiratory muscles and hypoxia were considered to be responsible for the development of myoglobinuria. Associated dehydration, in the presence of myoglobinuria, also contributed to the development of acute renal failure.