From the Research
Yes, women can develop rhabdomyolysis from childbirth, though it is relatively rare. Rhabdomyolysis during or after childbirth typically occurs due to prolonged labor, particularly when there is significant straining of muscles during delivery, or in cases of difficult or obstructed labor. The condition involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, releasing proteins like myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can damage the kidneys. Risk factors include prolonged labor, use of certain medications during delivery, pre-existing medical conditions, and severe dehydration. Symptoms may include muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
Treatment and Management
Treatment typically involves aggressive intravenous fluid administration to prevent kidney damage, with normal saline being the preferred fluid at rates determined by the severity and the woman's clinical status 1. Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation is conditionally recommended to improve outcomes of acute renal failure and lessen the need for dialysis 2. Monitoring of kidney function, electrolytes, and creatine kinase levels is essential. In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary. Women who have experienced rhabdomyolysis during childbirth should receive close follow-up care to monitor for potential complications.
Key Considerations
- Prolonged labor and difficult or obstructed labor are key risk factors for rhabdomyolysis in childbirth.
- The use of sodium bicarbonate and mannitol in the treatment of rhabdomyolysis is not entirely justified, with aggressive early volume resuscitation with normal saline being the principal focus of therapy 1.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes in patients with rhabdomyolysis 3, 4, 5.