What complication threatens the kidneys after severe muscle injury?

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that can occur after severe muscle injury, characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue. When muscle cells are damaged, they release myoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein, into the bloodstream. This influx of myoglobin can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to its potential toxicity and subsequent damage.

As myoglobin is filtered by the kidneys, it can precipitate in the renal tubules, which may impair renal function and lead to acute kidney injury. This illustrates the direct connection between severe muscle injury, rhabdomyolysis, and the potential for kidney complications. In severe cases, the combination of myoglobinuria and dehydration (often a result of the initial muscle injury) significantly raises the risk for acute kidney injury, further complicating the clinical situation.

Other options may describe conditions or complications relevant to severe muscle injury, but they do not capture the specific pathophysiological process that highlights why rhabdomyolysis is critical in the context of kidney threat following muscle injury.