A Case of Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Suxamethonium

Abstract

A boy presenting for oesophagoscopy developed myoglobinuria during convalescence from the procedure. A susceptibility to malignant hyperpyerexia was considered in the differential diagnosis but was felt to be unlikely on the basis of in vitro testing of muscle biopsy specimens. A review of relevant papers suggests that rhabdomyolysis of significant degree following suxamethonium administration may be more common than generally appreciated, particularly in children.