Case reports of athletes affected by rhabdomyolysis: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective To analyze intensity levels, modalities, types of physical activities, ambient temperature, and hydration levels during stimuli performed in training and competitionof studies that reported episodes of rhabdomyolysis in athletes. Method We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO, as number CRD42020126107. MedLine (via PubMed), Cochrane, LILACS, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and PEDro databases were searched for case reports in which professional athletes, who had a technical team as support, were affected by rhabdomyolysis induced by the practice of physical activity. The descriptors and their synonyms “rhabdomyolysis”, “exercise”, and “athletes”, available in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), were used. Results After the screening process, 10 studies were includedand analyzed according to the CAse REport (CARE) guidelines.The sports of the case reports were soccer, football, swimming, wrestling, 24-hour cross-country skiing, and mixed martial arts (MMA).The age range of the athletes varied between 16 to 41 years old. The case reports described a total of 17 athletes (14 male and three female).The main aspects related to the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis were ambient temperature, creatine kinase (CK) levels, the occurrence of renal impairment, and one or more signs of the classical triad (myalgia, dark urine, and muscle weakness). Conclusion It was observed difficulty in identifying concrete parameters to prevent and diagnose the rhabdomyolysis of premature form, however, controlling these variables may increase the chances of treatment success and decrease the risk of sequels.