Acute renal failure (ARF) is an important complication of rhabdomyolysis. The purpose of this study was to identify the major causes of rhabdomyolysis in children and to identify the factors associated with the developmet of ARF.

A retrospective chart review between January 1997 to June 2005 was conducted of 60 patients with a diagnosis of rhabdom yolysis. Rhabdomyolysis was defined by an elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) greater than 1,000 IU/L with a MM fraction more than 95% or serum myoglobin>300 mg/dL or positive urine myoglobin. Patients were excluded if they had evidence of myocardial ischemia, or cerebrovascular insufficiency.

Sixty patients (37 males, 23 females) were enrolled, with the median age of 4.25 year. The most common causes of rhabdomyolysis were repiratory tract infection (9), seizure (7), hypoxia or asphyxia (6). Fifteen patients (25.0%) developed ARF and ten of them (66.0%) died. The initial serum creatinine, uric acid, potassium, pH and peak serum creatinine, initial systolic blood pressure, and mental status were statistically correlated with the development of ARF. The peak serum CK was associated with mortality of rhabdomyolysis.

Acute renal failure was significant complication of rhabdomyolysis in children. Several clinical and laboratory factors were statistically associated with the development of ARF and death.