From the Guidelines
Viral myositis due to influenza and associated rhabdomyolysis should be treated with supportive care and monitoring, as there is no specific antiviral treatment available.
Treatment Approach
- The treatment approach for viral myositis due to influenza and associated rhabdomyolysis is primarily focused on supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral treatment available for this condition.
- Monitoring of creatine kinase (CK) levels is essential, as increased CK levels are seen in the majority of patients with myositis 1.
- Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and pain management.
- In cases of severe myositis or rhabdomyolysis, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor for potential complications such as renal failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
Management of Rhabdomyolysis
- Aggressive hydration is crucial to prevent renal failure and promote the excretion of myoglobin 1.
- Monitoring of renal function and electrolyte levels is essential to prevent complications.
- In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary to remove myoglobin and other toxins from the blood.
Important Considerations
- Cardiac evaluation is necessary in patients with myositis or suspected myositis, as myocarditis can be a life-threatening complication 1.
- Electrodiagnostic studies and MRI may be useful in diagnosing and monitoring myositis 1.
- Immunomodulatory treatment may be considered in refractory cases, but its use is not well established in the context of viral myositis due to influenza 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Viral Myositis due to Influenza and Associated Rhabdomyolysis
- The treatment for viral myositis due to influenza and associated rhabdomyolysis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the following information can be gathered:
Management of Rhabdomyolysis
- High-dose oseltamivir and intravenous fluids have been used to improve severe rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure due to influenza A infection 2
- Careful medical care is necessary when patients have muscle pain and weakness, as influenza rhabdomyolysis can sometimes induce renal failure with fatal outcome 3
General Information
- Myositis and rhabdomyolysis are rare but sometimes serious complications of influenza infection 3
- The progression of viral myositis to rhabdomyolysis, although uncommon, can be life-threatening and has been reported with many viruses, most commonly influenza 4, 5, 6
- Influenza myositis can improve spontaneously within 6 weeks, but close monitoring is necessary to prevent complications 3