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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 39635585 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1460676

Rhabdomyolysis secondary to COVID-19 infection and vaccination: a review of literature.

Front Med (Lausanne) 11:1460676

Authors: Mehdi Karimi, Neda Faal Hamedanchi, Kazem Ansari, Reza Nahavandi, Mahsa Mazdak, Fateme Javaherchian, Pooneh Koochaki, Mahsa Asadi Anar, Mahsa Shirforoush Sattari, Mona Mohamaditabar

Affiliations

  • Faculty of Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine.
  • Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran.
  • Nano-Biotech Foresight Company Biotechnology Campus, Yazd Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Yazd, Iran.
  • Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
  • School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.
  • School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
  • Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
  • Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
  • Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis (RML), characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers and the release of muscle contents into the bloodstream, has emerged as a notable complication associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination. Studies have reported an increased incidence of RML in individuals with severe COVID-19 infection. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear and are believed to involve the host's immune response to the virus. Furthermore, RML has been documented as a rare adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly with mRNA vaccines. Proposed mechanisms include immune responses triggered by the vaccine and T-cell activation against viral spike proteins. This study aims to review the current literature on the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of RML secondary to COVID-19 infection and vaccination. We identify common risk factors and mechanisms underlying this condition by analyzing case reports, clinical studies, and pharmacovigilance data. Our findings suggest that while RML is a relatively rare adverse event, it warrants attention due to its potential severity and the widespread prevalence of COVID-19 and its vaccines. This review underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and further research to optimize management strategies and improve patient outcomes in this context.

MeSH

Muscles, Vaccines, Incidence, Vaccination, Drug-Related Side Effects And Adverse Reactions, Covid-19, Viruses, Immunity, Muscle Fibers, Skeletal, Rhabdomyolysis, Infections, Autoimmunity