Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy for bilateral compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after heroin intake.

Abstract

Heroin abuse causes various medical and surgical complications. We report a case of heroin-induced severe bilateral compartment syndrome complicated by rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and extremely elevated creatinine kinase. A 30-year-old male heroin addict presented to the emergency department of Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon, New York complaining of severe pain and burning sensation in both legs and feet 1 day after abusing intravenous heroin. He had severe swelling and tenderness of both legs and feet. Laboratory data revealed tremendous elevation of creatine kinase (236,000 IU/L) consistent with rhabdomyolysis. Acute renal failure developed over subsequent days. Treatment consisted of fasciotomy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) and supportive therapy. The condition gradually improved over 4 weeks and the patient did not require dialysis or amputation.

• Authors: Mahdi S Abdullah, Noori S Al-Waili, Glenn Butler, Nawras K Baban
• Journal: Archives of medical research (Arch Med Res) Vol. 37 Issue 4 Pg. 559-62 (May 2006) ISSN: 0188-4409 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16624660 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Heroin

Topics

• Acute Kidney Injury (blood, complications, therapy)
• Adult
• Compartment Syndromes (blood, complications, therapy)
• Heroin (poisoning)
• Humans
• Hyperbaric Oxygenation
• Male
• Rhabdomyolysis (blood, complications, therapy)