J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2003 Oct;14(4):455-457.

Rhabdomyolysis due to Sunburn

• Lee JH
• Yoon YS
• Park IC
• Kim SH

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening syndrome resulting from the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers with leakage of muscle content into the circulation. The most common causes are crush injuries, overexertion, alcohol abuse and certain medications and toxic substances, burns, infections, and several inherited genetic disorders. There is no report of sunburn-induced rhabdomyolysis. We are reporting a case of rhabdomyolysis after sunburn. A 51-year-old male patient presented with confused mental state and sunburn on his body. He was treated with intravenous hydration and urine alkalinization. He recovered fully without complications. This case highlights the need for a high index of the suspicion for rhabdomyolysis in case of sunburn.

Keyword

Sunburn; Rhabdomyolysis

MeSH Terms

Alcoholism
Burns
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Fibers, Skeletal
Rhabdomyolysis*
Sunburn*