Crush syndrome after the Marrakesh earthquake: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Crush trauma of extremities, resulting from a crushing force, can be life-threatening even without involving vital organs. Crush syndrome, or traumatic rhabdomyolysis, occurs when muscle cell breakdown releases contents into the bloodstream, leading to systemic complications like acute renal failure. A 35-year-old woman trapped under rubble during11 hours during a seismic event, presenting with compartment syndrome in her left arm and thigh and crush syndrome. Emergent fasciotomy and aggressive fluid resuscitation were performed, preventing renal failure and metabolic derangement. Post-fasciotomy, pulses returned to her affected limbs. She was extubated and moved to the ICU under close surgical supervision. Early, aggressive resuscitation is critical, ideally before extrication, to minimize complications. Awareness of hyperkalemia and acute renal failure risk post-extrication is essential. Continuous fluid resuscitation is the cornerstone of treatment, and prompt fasciotomies are crucial for compartment syndrome management.