Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO979

Clenbuterol-Associated Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Case Report

Session Information

• Physical Activity and Lifestyle in Kidney Diseases
  October 24, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

• 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Authors

• Parmar, Parth, Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Warren, Ohio, United States

Parth Parmar, MD

• Gajjar, Prachi, Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Warren, Ohio, United States

Prachi Gajjar, MD

• Gajjar, Hetvi, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Hetvi Gajjar, MBBS

• Shah, Dhruvil K., Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Warren, Ohio, United States

Dhruvil K. Shah, MD

• Gyawali, Pratik, Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Warren, Ohio, United States

Pratik Gyawali, MD, MBBS

• Shrestha, Sepiya, Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Warren, Ohio, United States

Sepiya Shrestha, MD

• Magnani, Kashish, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India

Kashish Magnani, MBBS

Introduction

Clenbuterol is a beta-2 agonist medication used by fitness enthusiasts for anabolic and lipolytic effects. It has been obtained from illegal markets since it was banned by the US FDA. It carries the risk of severe adverse effects such as myocardial infarction, death and others.

Case Description

We present a case of a 43-year-old male who was involved in bodybuilding. He presented to the hospital with complaints of red urine for a day after using Clenbuterol in higher doses and an extensive workout session at the gym. On admission, laboratory findings showed serum creatine kinase levels of 66,000 U/L and red urine without red blood cells in urinalysis, suggesting the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. He survived no fractures or muscle injuries recently. He maintained adequate urine output and normal serum creatinine levels throughout his hospital stay. With intravenous hydration, laboratory serum creatine kinase values trended down to normal. The patient was discharged and advised that the US FDA does not recommend Clenbuterol in the United States for any use in humans or animals.

Discussion

Clenbuterol is an illegally available illicit drug used by fitness enthusiasts. Case reports regarding rhabdomyolysis in humans after illicit use are limited. Proper education regarding Clenbuterol and its serious adverse effects, including death, is needed among fitness enthusiasts. Physicians must also keep a differential diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis due to Clenbuterol in young athletes.