Crush syndrome

Crush Syndrome

Crush Syndrome, also known as traumatic rhabdomyolysis or Bywaters' syndrome, is a severe medical condition that arises following a crushing injury to skeletal muscle. It is characterized by major shock and kidney failure and often occurs in situations where victims are trapped under heavy objects, such as in earthquakes or building collapses.

Victims trapped under rubble in an earthquake, a common scenario leading to Crush Syndrome

Definition and Causes

• Crush Syndrome is precipitated by a prolonged crushing injury to skeletal muscle.
• It commonly occurs in large-scale disasters like earthquakes or building collapses, where victims are trapped under fallen masonry.

Pathophysiology

• The syndrome is a result of muscle cell damage leading to the release of myoglobin, potassium, and other intracellular contents into the circulation.
• This release can cause shock, kidney failure, and other systemic complications.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Early symptoms include muscle pain and swelling.
• Systemic signs include shock, reduced urine output, and signs of kidney failure.
• Diagnosis is often based on the clinical history of a crushing injury and the presence of systemic symptoms.

Management and Treatment

• Early and aggressive fluid resuscitation is crucial to prevent kidney damage.
• Other treatments may include dialysis, management of hyperkalemia, and surgical intervention for compartment syndrome.

Differences from Crush Injury

• Crush Injury refers to the localized injury and its direct effects, while Crush Syndrome includes systemic manifestations of the injury.

Epidemiology and Occurrence

• Crush Syndrome is most commonly seen in catastrophes such as earthquakes or building collapses.
• It requires rapid medical intervention to improve outcomes.

See Also

• Rhabdomyolysis
• Kidney Failure
• Disaster Medicine

External Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Earthquakes
• Medscape: Crush Syndrome

References

Crush syndrome Resources
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