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Prevalence of Compartment Syndrome and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation following Rhabdomyolysis; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Summary

This study analyzed twenty research papers to understand how often two serious complications occur in patients with rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving muscle damage. Compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up around muscles limiting blood flow, occurred in about 4% of cases overall but was slightly more common in severe cases. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a dangerous blood clotting disorder, occurred in about 8% of patients. These findings help doctors better understand and monitor for these potentially life-threatening complications.

Background

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical condition characterized by muscle damage that can lead to serious complications. Compartment syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation are significant complications that can affect patient prognosis and result in morbidity and mortality.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of compartment syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with rhabdomyolysis, stratified by etiology and severity.

Results

The pooled prevalence of compartment syndrome was 4% (95% CI: 2.20-7.40), with 7.1% in severe rhabdomyolysis and 4.4% in traumatic cases. The pooled prevalence of DIC was 8.3% (95% CI: 3.90-16.50) across all rhabdomyolysis patients. No significant publication bias was detected.

Conclusion

Compartment syndrome occurred in 4% of rhabdomyolysis patients overall, with slightly higher rates in severe cases. DIC occurred in 8.3% of rhabdomyolysis patients, representing a significant complication requiring clinical monitoring and standardized diagnostic criteria.
  • Published in:Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 37671275, DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v11i1.2083
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