A patient with severe rhabdomyolysis and high levels of creatinine kinase had renal functions fully recovered after haemodialysis: a case report

Rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed based on the levels of blood biomarkers such as creatine kinase (CK), but the use of CK levels to predict long-term renal function remains controversial. This current report presents a case with a very high CK level with the presentation of acute kidney injury (AKI) who regained full renal function. A 29-year-old man, in a manic mood and presenting with dyspnoea, was admitted to hospital following an episode of ketamine use along with a history of drug abuse. The laboratory analyses identified rhabdomyolysis (CK, 35 266 U/l) and AKI (serum creatinine, 3.96 mg/dl). Despite treatment with intravenous normal saline (4000 ml/day), his CK level reached at least 300 000 U/l. He underwent 13 sessions of haemodialysis and his renal function fully recovered. The final measurements were serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dl and CK 212 U/l. These findings support the view that the predictive power of CK level on AKI is limited, especially regarding long-term renal function. Close follow-up examinations of renal function after haemodialysis are mandatory for patients with rhabdomyolysis.