franco420
Greenlighter
Many think that rhabdomyolysis is a very rare condition associated with MDMA, but it actually is very common and extremely underdiagnosed. As it is common knowledge to regulate fluid intake, rhabdomyolysis is actually the most dangerous consequence of this substance. The symptoms are not pronounced like other complications are, and case reports show that patients overlook the symptoms because they mimic the feeling of the comedown from ecstasy. These reports often describe patients being admitted to the hospital several days after use, and most died from acute renal failure.
Some people have seen their doctor and complained of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and have been told they were fine and sent home. Numerous of these people were hospitalized less than a week later.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which skeletal muscle fibres break down and release proteins into the blood stream. Muscular proteins such as myoglobin, troponin, and creatine kinase are concentrated inside of muscle cells and are used in the energy exchange mechanisms therein. When these cells die, the proteins become too concentrated in the blood stream and result in electrolyte imbalance and protein accumulation in the kidneys, which causes sepsis and acute renal failure (ARF), respectively.
Rhabdomyolysis carries a current total mortality rate of about 2-30%, but fatality is always caused by its complications. ARF, in particular, occurs in about 40% of patients; this complication carries a 20% mortality rate. Rhabdomyolysis accounts for about 20% of all cases of ARF. It has also been estimated that 85% of all ecstasy users develop rhabdomyolysis. Further complications include hyperkalemia, myoglobinuria, haematuria, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hyponatremia, hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, encephalopathy, and many others.
The most detrimental aspect of rhabdomyolysis is the fact that its symptoms are so scarce that most cases go unnoticed until it has progressed to end-stage ARF. Muscle pain, fatigue, and tea-colored urine are the only symptoms present, and they are often overlooked. Also, many cases of rhabdomyolysis are asymptomatic for the first few days, further limiting treatment options.
Some people have seen their doctor and complained of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and have been told they were fine and sent home. Numerous of these people were hospitalized less than a week later.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which skeletal muscle fibres break down and release proteins into the blood stream. Muscular proteins such as myoglobin, troponin, and creatine kinase are concentrated inside of muscle cells and are used in the energy exchange mechanisms therein. When these cells die, the proteins become too concentrated in the blood stream and result in electrolyte imbalance and protein accumulation in the kidneys, which causes sepsis and acute renal failure (ARF), respectively.
Rhabdomyolysis carries a current total mortality rate of about 2-30%, but fatality is always caused by its complications. ARF, in particular, occurs in about 40% of patients; this complication carries a 20% mortality rate. Rhabdomyolysis accounts for about 20% of all cases of ARF. It has also been estimated that 85% of all ecstasy users develop rhabdomyolysis. Further complications include hyperkalemia, myoglobinuria, haematuria, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hyponatremia, hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, encephalopathy, and many others.
The most detrimental aspect of rhabdomyolysis is the fact that its symptoms are so scarce that most cases go unnoticed until it has progressed to end-stage ARF. Muscle pain, fatigue, and tea-colored urine are the only symptoms present, and they are often overlooked. Also, many cases of rhabdomyolysis are asymptomatic for the first few days, further limiting treatment options.
