Rhabdomyolysis among hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States: Nationwide inpatient sample 2003–2014

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the risk factors and impact of rhabdomyolysis on treatments, outcomes, and resource utilization in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of salicylate intoxication from 2003–2014. Rhabdomyolysis was identified using hospital diagnosis code. We compared the clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment, outcomes, and resource utilization between patients with and without rhabdomyolysis. RESULTS: A total of 13,805 hospital admissions for salicylate intoxication were studied. Of these, rhabdomyolysis developed in 258 (1.9%) admissions. The risk factors for rhabdomyolysis were age>20 years, male sex, volume depletion, hypokalemia, sepsis, and seizure. After adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics, salicylate intoxication patients with rhabdomyolysis required more invasive mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. Rhabdomyolysis was significantly associated with higher risk of failure of any organ systems, and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost were higher when rhabdomyolysis occurred during hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Rhabdomyolysis was not common in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication but it was associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization.