SECONDARY RHABDOMYOLYSIS AND ACUTE-RENAL- FAILURE DUE TO GASTROENTERITIS WITH HYPERNATREMIC DEHYDRATION

A child with severe gastroenteritis developed acute rhabdomyolysis com bined with acute renal failure. The pathophysiological mechanisms of t his clinical syndrome are not completely understood. Rhabdomyolysis is mainly due to osmotic changes on both sides of the cell membrane. The preventive and therapeutic measures consist of adequate fluid substit ution, correction of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, administrat ion of diuretics and alkalization of the urine. Dialysis treatment may be necessary. In this particular case renal failure resolved but the child died of other organ failure.