Improvement in renal prognosis with prompt hemodialysis in hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state-related rhabdomyolysis: A case report

RATIONALE: Acute kidney injury is common and correctable in patients with a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Nevertheless, hyperglycemic crisis may also contribute to the development of rhabdomyolysis, which can worsen renal function and lead to high mortality in such patients. PATIENT CONCERNS: Herein, we report a case of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state-related rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure with an excellent outcome. DIAGNOSIS: A 26-year-old Asian female with underlying paranoid schizophrenia presented with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with HHS. Her renal function deteriorated rapidly in spite of standard management for hyperglycemic crisis. Rhabdomyolysis was subsequently diagnosed according to the high levels of serum creatine kinase (CK) (37,710 U/L, normal range: 20–180 U/L) and myoglobin (5167.7 ng/mL, normal range: 14.3–65.8 ng/mL). INTERVENTIONS: After treatment failure of intravenous hydration plus loop diuretic agent for rhabdomyolysis related acute renal failure, temporary hemodialysis was performed 3 times to relieve oligouria and pulmonary edema. OUTCOMES: Her renal function recovered well after temporary renal replacement therapy. LESSONS: Rhabdomyolysis is a complication of HHS. Delayed detection can be fatal, and timely renal replacement therapy can result in an excellent prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to detect and treat such patients as early as possible to avoid impairing their renal function.