Definition: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but serious, medical condition in which skeletal muscle fibers rapidly breakdown and release proteins, such as creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin, into the bloodstream. It is characterized by profound muscle weakness and tenderness, brown-colored urine, and a creatine phosphokinase level that measures more than 10 times the upper allowable limit (in this case, 150 IU/L).
This condition could lead to kidney failure, arrthymias, and death if not treated quickly.
