Rhabdomyolysis After Hyperemesis Gravidarum

BACKGROUND: Hyperemesis gravidarum may lead to hypovolemia and substantial electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, when profound, may result in rare consequences, such as rhabdomyolysis. CASE: A 20-year-old woman with hyperemesis gravidarum at 19 weeks of gestation presented with extreme leg weakness and was found to have hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. Her course was complicated by rhabdomyolysis, which, after excluding other causes, was attributed to hypokalemia and severe dehydration. After aggressive electrolyte and hydration repletion, she experienced resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum represent potentially high-risk clinical scenarios for electrolyte abnormalities and subsequent complications, including rhabdomyolysis.