Rhabdomyolysis Secondary to Clenbuterol Use and Exercise.

This study analyzes the first reported case of rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving muscle tissue breakdown, in a human due to the usage of Clenbuterol – a veterinary drug illegally used by bodybuilders. The person returned to normal health following treatment, causing no discernible disability or kidney damage.

Understanding the Research

This research focuses on Clenbuterol, a veterinary drug that is often misused for bodybuilding and weight loss due to its muscle-enhancing and fat-burning properties. The drug’s effect on the human body is still not extensively studied.

• The study presents the first known case of rhabdomyolysis – a condition where damaged skeletal muscle breaks down quickly – resulting from the use of Clenbuterol in a human.
• The case examined is that of a patient who used Clenbuterol to assist with muscle-building, combined with exercise. The human subject presented at the Emergency Department suffering discolored urine – a known symptom of rhabdomyolysis.
• Workup for rhabdomyolysis was initiated, where creatine kinase, a specific enzyme found in the muscles, was measured at over 122,000 units/L which is far exceeding normal levels.

Treatment and Outcome

Following the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, the patient was treated successfully with supportive therapy.

• There was no identifiable disability, and the patient’s kidney function remained stable.
• Crucially, the subject did not experience an acute kidney injury which can often occur as a serious complication of rhabdomyolysis.
• The result concludes the patient was able to return home, fully recovered.

Importance to Emergency Physicians

The authors argue that this research is particularly important for emergency physicians because of the illicit use of Clenbuterol.

• Emergency physicians need awareness that patients may have been unintentionally exposed to Clenbuterol due to it being mixed with illicit substances, or through intentional use in bodybuilding.
• While Clenbuterol’s cardiotoxic effects are well-reported, this is the first time that a rhabdomyolysis condition has been associated with its usage by a human subject.