Acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy secondary to rhabdomyolysis due to rosuvastatin

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024 Oct 7;86(11):6832-6834. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002635. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Statins are the group of medicines that lower the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. One of the life-threatening complications is rhabdomyolysis as the use of these drugs.

Case presentation: Here, we report a case of a 69-year-old female who was diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction one month and was on regular medication before presentation with generalized weakness and decreased urine output. Proximal muscle weakness was greater than distal muscle on the bilateral lower limb, and power at the hip, knee, and ankle was 3/5 in the bilateral area, with absent reflex at the knee and ankle bilateral area.

Clinical discussion: A total of four hemodialysis sessions were performed; the first three sessions were performed at an interval of 24 h, then the last maintenance hemodialysis after 48 h of three sessions. The patient's weakness in the bilateral lower limb returns to normal condition.

Conclusion: Physicians need to be aware of the potential of developing severe rhabdomyolysis in patients taking rosuvastatin to prevent morbidity, extended hospital stay, and financial loss.

Keywords: acute kidney injury; renal replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports