How can I educate patients on the risk factors and preventive measures for rhabdomyolysis, especially in high-risk populations?

Educating patients about rhabdomyolysis, particularly in high-risk populations, should focus on identifying key risk factors and understanding crucial preventive measures.

• Understanding Rhabdomyolysis and Risk Factors: Patients should be informed that rhabdomyolysis involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can release harmful substances into the blood and potentially lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) ³,⁴,⁵. A significant risk factor to highlight is statin therapy, which is commonly used for cardiovascular disease prevention ¹,²,⁶. While statins are effective, they carry a known risk of muscle-related side effects, including myopathy and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis, especially in high-risk patients (Ballantyne et al., 2003). High-risk populations for statin-induced myopathy include individuals with pre-existing muscle disorders, renal impairment, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, or those taking medications that interact with statins ¹. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also at increased risk of complications and require careful consideration regarding statin use due to potential adverse effects ⁷.
• Key Preventive Measures and Actions: Patients on statin therapy must be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to their general practice team ¹. This early reporting is vital for detecting myopathy before it progresses to rhabdomyolysis. It is also crucial for patients to inform their healthcare professionals about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to identify and avoid potential drug interactions that could increase the risk of statin-related muscle problems ¹. For high-risk individuals, regular monitoring and careful dose titration of statins are important, and patients should understand the rationale behind these checks ¹. Additionally, maintaining good hydration is a general measure that can help prevent AKI, a common complication of rhabdomyolysis ⁵. Patients should also be aware of symptoms of AKI, such as reduced urine output, swelling, and fatigue, as rhabdomyolysis can lead to this serious complication ³,⁴,⁵.