Crush Syndrome

ARF induced by traumatic rhabdomyolysis and crush syndrome is a well-known complication occurring in the wake of natural or manmade disasters. As a matter of fact, it is the second most frequent cause of death, following the direct traumatic impact. Early recognition of the crush syndrome and rapid initiation of fluid replacement is essential as this can dramatically reduce the incidence of ARF. After the Marmara earthquake of 1999, the Turkish Society of Nephrology, in collaboration with the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force of the International Society of Nephrology, prepared special questionnaires to obtain patient data and follow-up information to analyze the extent of the nephrological problems. This book is based on the 639 cases consequently documented, constituting an unprecedented collection of first-hand experience on crush syndrome-related ARF following earthquakes.