Rhabdomyolysis linked to death of marathon runner in US

A 24-year-old woman, Rachel Apa, died from rhabdomyolysis while participating in a marathon in the United States. She collapsed near the finish line and passed away before medical assistance arrived.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by the release of electrolytes and proteins into the bloodstream, often accompanied by a significant increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. When muscle tissue is damaged, these components can enter the circulation and intoxicate organs such as the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. If it progresses to untreated renal failure, the condition can be fatal.

While rhabdomyolysis can be associated with fish consumption (Haff disease), it is primarily linked to intense physical activity, muscle trauma, alcoholism, hereditary diseases, drug use, or infections. Dark or black urine is considered a classic symptom of the condition.