A condition in which a limb has been crushed, as in an accident, causing kidney failure and shock.
The consequence of prolonged continuous pressure on the limbs, which decreases the blood supply to skeletal muscles and may damage muscle tissue. The damaged muscle can release breakdown products such as myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can be toxic to the kidneys.
A condition in which kidney failure occurs in patients who have been the victims of severe crushing accidents. The fundamental injury is damage to muscle. The limb swells. The blood volume falls. Blood urea rises; there is also a rise in the potassium content of the blood. Urgent treatment in an intensive therapy unit is required and renal dialysis may well be necessary. The patient may survive; or he dies with renal failure. Postmortem examination shows degeneration of the tubules of the kidney, and the presence in them of pigment casts.
The tissue damage and systemic effects of prolonged traumatic muscle compression. Crushing injuries may cause compartment syndromes, muscle necrosis, and leakage of muscle cell contents into the systemic circulation, especially after blood flow is restored to damaged tissues. Kidney failure may occur when myoglobin released from injured muscles blocks renal tubules. Electrolyte and acid base disturbances are common. Treatment may include local surgical care, metabolic support, hydration, and alkalinization of the urine.
Extensive muscle injury, often occurring due to a severe accident, can lead to kidney failure. The affected muscles release proteins into the bloodstream, causing a temporary impairment of kidney function. Consequently, certain substances that are typically eliminated through urine accumulate to harmful levels in the blood. If left unattended, crush syndrome can result in fatality; however, dialysis provides the kidneys with a recovery period.