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) NICE CKS,NICE CKS,NICE NG148. A significant risk factor to highlight is statin therapy, which is commonly used for cardiovascular disease prevention NICE CKS,NICE CKS,NICE NG238. 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 NICE CKS. 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 NICE NG203.
• 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 NICE CKS. 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 NICE CKS. For high-risk individuals, regular monitoring and careful dose titration of statins are important, and patients should understand the rationale behind these checks NICE CKS. Additionally, maintaining good hydration is a general measure that can help prevent AKI, a common complication of rhabdomyolysis NICE NG148. 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 NICE CKS,NICE CKS,NICE NG148.