Clinical features and outcome of crush syndrome caused by the Chi-Chi earthquake.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few reports exist concerning the peak serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK) and the severity of crush syndrome, and the efficacy of fasciotomy in crush syndrome patients remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze and assess the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of patients with crush syndrome sustained in the Chi-Chi earthquake in September 21, 1999.

METHODS: Pertinent data were collected from major hospitals in central Taiwan via questionnaire. Patients with a peak serum CK concentration of more than 1,000 U/L within 2 weeks following the earthquake were included in the study. Eight hospitals responded and a total of 95 patients were included for the analysis.

RESULTS: Forty-four patients (46.3%) with acute renal failure were found to have a serum creatinine level of more than 159 mumol/L (1.8 mg/dL) or daily urine output of less than 400 mL. Thirty patients (31.6%) required hemodialysis, which completely restored renal function. The incidence of acute oliguria, acute renal failure, and the need for hemodialysis were significantly increased if the peak CK concentration was more than 50,000 U/L (p < 0.01). Thirty-five patients underwent fasciotomy to treat compartment syndrome caused by crush syndrome. Among these, 31 patients (88.6%) had a peak CK concentration higher than 10,000 U/L. The incidence of acute renal failure (p < 0.01) and the need for hemodialysis (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the fasciotomy group than in the non-fasciotomy group. Eight patients developed superficial infection and 16 developed deep infections after fasciotomy. Six patients underwent amputations and one patient died of sepsis due to uncontrolled infection of the fasciotomy wound.

CONCLUSION: CK concentration is a good indicator of the occurrence of acute renal failure and the need for dialysis. The high infection rate and amputation rate after fasciotomy may be due to inadequate debridement. Fasciotomy in crush syndrome patients with high serum CK concentrations should be deliberated.