This is why dark or cola-colored urine is one of the ways that the average person detects symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. In addition, muscle weakness and aching are common symptoms of this serious condition. However, some people develop no symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, making it even more dangerous.
There are a number of complications that can be associated with rhabdomyolysis. One of the most serious of these is a form of kidney damage called acute tubular necrosis. Tubular necrosis occurs when tubule cells of the kidney are damaged. This can lead to acute renal failure. Acute tubular necrosis has a mortality rate of 10 percent.
In addition, those with rhabdomyolysis can develop compartment syndrome. In this condition, too much pressure is put on a muscle compartment. This interferes with blood flow, which in turn causes massive swelling. This is most often seen in the legs or forearms, but it can also occur in other places like the hands and feet.
Further, rhabdomyolysis can cause hyperuricemia, which occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood. This can cause issues like kidney stones and gout.
Rhabdomyolysis can also cause disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This condition develops when blood clotting proteins migrate to the site of an injury to attempt to halt bleeding. Consequently, blood clots are formed in the blood vessels. This inhibits blood from reaching bodily organs. Eventually, these proteins may run out. This increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding (even from a cut).
Hepatic inflammation, which is a swelling of the liver, is another risk associated with rhabdomyolysis. According to Healthline, about 25 percent of those with rhabdomyolysis develop this condition. Hepatic inflammation can make it even tougher for the body to remove toxins from the blood.