A Rare Case of Acute Renal Failure Secondary to Rhabdomyolysis Probably Induced by Donepezil

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Acute renal failure (ARF) develops in 33% of the patients with rhabdomyolysis.

The main etiologic factors are alcoholism, trauma, exercise overexertion, and drugs.

In this report we present a rare case of ARF secondary to probably donepezil-induced rhabdomyolysis.

Case Presentation.

An 84-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of generalized weakness and reduced consciousness for two days.

He had a history of Alzheimer’s disease for one year and he had taken donepezil 5 mg daily for two months.

The patient’s physical examination revealed apathy, loss of cooperation, and decreased muscle strength.

Laboratory studies revealed the following: urea: 128 mg/dL; Creatinine 6.06 mg/dL; creatine kinase: 3613 mg/dL.

Donepezil was discontinued and the patient’s renal function tests improved gradually.

Conclusion.

Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure may develop secondary to donepezil therapy.