COVID-19 Infection Induces Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory tract, and it can also lead to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury as extrapulmonary complications. Rhabdomyolysis syndrome is caused by muscle necrosis and intracellular contents into the circulation. Rhabdomyolysis is frequently associated with trauma or crush injuries, and less frequently with infections. We report two cases of COVID-19-induced rhabdomyolysis at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan. Both patients presented at the emergency department with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, accompanied by breathlessness, cough, myalgias, and fatigue. They were admitted and treated with aggressive intravenous fluids. One patient progressed to respiratory failure, required mechanical ventilation, and died. The other responded well to treatment and made a full recovery. Medical professionals need to be aware that COVID-19 can lead to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury, and in these situations, the patient needs to be appropriately treated and provided with fluids.