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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Case report

Colchicine triggered severe rhabdomyolysis after long-term low-dose simvastatin therapy: a case report

Authors: Clara Frydrychowicz, Bastian Pasieka, Matthias Pierer, Wolf Mueller, Sirak Petros, Lorenz Weidhase

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Rhabdomyolysis is a widely recognized yet rare complication in statin use. Rhabdomyolysis might be triggered by the prescription of high doses of statins or by statin accumulation due to interactions with concomitant medication. Muscle cell destruction as evidenced by myoglobin elevation can induce potentially life-threatening acute renal failure.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 70-year-old obese white man with sudden onset of severe rhabdomyolysis with consecutive renal failure. His medication included low-dose simvastatin, which he had taken for 6 years up until the event. The statin was withdrawn immediately. After 3 days of veno-venous hemofiltration his renal function was completely restored.

Conclusions

Clinicians in both primary and special care might be unaware that side effects of statins do occur even after a long uneventful statin medication; they should be advised not to exclude that possibility upfront, even if a patient has tolerated the medication for years.

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Title: Colchicine triggered severe rhabdomyolysis after long-term low-dose simvastatin therapy: a case report
Authors: Clara Frydrychowicz
Bastian Pasieka
Matthias Pierer
Wolf Mueller
Sirak Petros
Lorenz Weidhase
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-016-1169-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Colchicine triggered severe rhabdomyolysis after long-term low-dose simvastatin therapy: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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