Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney injury resulting from strenuous activities among military trainees: A case report

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome marked by rapid skeletal muscle breakdown, leading to the release of intracellular components such as myoglobin and creatine kinase into the bloodstream, which may result in acute kidney injury. We report the case of a 31-year-old female army trainee with no prior medical history who developed generalized malaise, muscle pain, fever, and dark urine following intense physical exercise. Laboratory tests revealed elevated creatinine, urea, and liver enzymes, along with hematuria. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous fluids, resulting in clinical and biochemical improvement. Contributing factors included poor physical fitness, intense and prolonged exercise, dehydration, and a hot environment. As 10%-30% of such cases may lead to acute kidney injury, preventive strategies, such as proper hydration, gradual training, and warming-up, are essential. This case highlights the need for early recognition and timely fluid therapy to prevent severe complications, especially in low-resource settings that lack gold standard biomarkers, such as creatine kinase, and also high-risk groups such as military personnel and athletes.