Child physical abuse and rhabdomyolysis: case report and literature review.

An 8-year-old child who was physically abused and developed rhabdomyolysis is presented. A literature review revealed 13 previously reported cases of child physical abuse and rhabdomyolysis. Including the patient in this report, 13 of 14 children had extensive soft tissue muscle injuries to the buttock or legs. Nine patients developed acute renal failure, but none required renal dialysis treatment. A simple urine dipstick test can be used to screen children at risk for rhabdomyolysis. The importance of early recognition and treatment is made clear by a review of the pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis.