Rhabdomyolysis due to severe hypokaliemia in a Crohn's disease patient after budesonide treatment

Dig Liver Dis. 2007 Aug;39(8):776-9. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2006.09.003. Epub 2006 Oct 17.

Abstract

Patients with Crohn's disease may experience several non-digestive complications, including muscle disorders. Rabdomyolysis has rarely been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, however a number of factors may cause muscular damage in this setting. We report the case of a young woman with Crohn's disease who developed a severe, symptomatic skeletal muscle damage associated with severe hypokaliemia. Reversal of the potassium levels to normal ranges led to clinical resolution. The possible causes that might have lead to hypokalemia development and subsequent rhabdomyolysis are discussed with special emphasis for the potential causative role of medical treatment, especially budesonide for which similar side effects have been previously reported. Physicians should be aware that hypokalemia is possible in the setting of Crohn's disease and muscle damage can present as a complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Budesonide / adverse effects*
  • Crohn Disease / blood
  • Crohn Disease / complications
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / blood
  • Hypokalemia / chemically induced
  • Hypokalemia / complications*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Potassium Chloride / administration & dosage
  • Potassium Chloride / therapeutic use
  • Rhabdomyolysis / blood
  • Rhabdomyolysis / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Budesonide
  • Potassium Chloride