[Prevention of acute renal failure in muscular injuries].

Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by sustained, continuous pressure to skeletal muscle. The syndrome is characterized by hypovolemia, hyperkalemia and release of excessive amounts of myoglobin to the circulation. If untreated, the syndrome becomes complicated by potentially fatal acute renal failure. Two case reports are presented which illustrate the importance of early and aggressive fluid substitution where forced alkaline diuresis seemed to prevent life threatening renal complications.