Increasing Incidence and Unique Clinical Characteristics of Spinning-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Objective: To compare outcomes of spinning-induced rhabdomyolysis to those with exertional rhabdomyolysis from other physical activities.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic medical center, single-center.

Patients: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients evaluated from December 2010 through November 2014. Patients were selected by ICD-9 code for rhabdomyolysis. Patients were included if the reason for admission was rhabdomyolysis caused by exertion. Cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by trauma or drugs were excluded.

Main outcome measures: Muscle group involvement, admission, and peak creatine kinase levels, time from activity to hospitalization, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications.

Results: Twenty-nine cases were reviewed with 14 admissions secondary to spinning. Median admission creatine kinase (73 000 IU/L vs 29 000 IU/L, P = 0.02) and peak creatine kinase levels were significantly higher in the spinning group (81 000 IU/L vs 31 000 IU/L, P = 0.007). Hospital admissions for spinning-induced rhabdomyolysis increased over time.

Conclusion: Health care providers should be aware of the potential dangers of spinning-related rhabdomyolysis especially in otherwise healthy young people.