Acute rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in HIV-infected patients: risk factors, presentation, and pathophysiology

Rhabdomyolysis is a common cause of acute renal failure and may be related to a variety of predisposing factors. This entity has been increasingly recognized in HIV-infected individuals and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We present a series of seven HIV-positive patients admitted with rhabdomyolysis over a 5-year period; three developed acute renal failure. Infections and substance abuse were the most common risk factors identified; an average of three predisposing factors was present in each case. All patients showed resolution of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and serum creatinine returned to the normal range in the three patients who developed renal insufficiency; however, all patients required prolonged hospitalization and one patient died of sepsis. The pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle injury in our patients are reviewed and their bearing on prognosis discussed. It is concluded that clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for the development of rhabdomyolysis in HIV-infected patients with a combination of noncompliance with medical therapy and/or substance abuse and acute infection. With comprehensive supportive care, the prognosis of acute rhabdomyolysis in this population may be reasonably good.