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Rhabdomyolysis

A Workout Breakdown

By Arne K. Christensen, Joan-Beth Gow

Rhabdomyolysis


 

Abstract

This directed case study focuses on exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis (exRML).  Students are guided though skeletal muscle cell membrane transport and calcium homeostasis.  They are then asked to predict how depletion of ATP at the skeletal muscle cell level could affect cellular membrane transport, skeletal muscle tissue integrity, blood composition, and kidney organ function. This cause-and-effect scenario, which incorporates human physiology at all levels from ion to organ, is presented in the context of the protagonist, "Rachel," who pushes her exercise regime too far and ends up in the hospital with exRML. Students are provided with a variety of clinical data (vital signs, blood values, and plotted data) and are then invited to apply what they have learned to determine how to tailor Rachel's treatment plan. This case was written for a general biology or human physiology course and is designed to be used within one 50-minute block.

   

Date Posted

09/16/2019

Overview

Objectives

  • Summarize normal muscle physiology.
  • Analyze the rhabdomyolysis disease process at a cellular level.
  • Interpret numerical values that indicate pathological conditions in these systems.
  • Describe the symptoms and treatment of rhabdomyolysis.
  • Assess risk factors for rhabdomyolysis and relate these to their own lives.

Keywords

Muscle; kidney; membrane transport; ATP; rhabdomyolysis; RML; exRML; CrossFit; muscle pain; weakness; discolored urine; myoglobin

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Physiology
Science (General)
Sports Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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