Febrile rhabdomyolysis of unknown origin in refugees coming from West Africa through the Mediterranean

Abstract

The long incubation period does not support a mechanical cause of rhabdomyolysis. Furthermore, viral infections such as those caused by coxsackievirus are rarely associated with such a severe clinical presentation. It is hypothesized that other predisposing conditions like genetic factors, unknown infections, or unreported non-conventional remedies may be involved. Targeted surveillance of rhabdomyolysis cases is warranted.

Febrile rhabdomyolysis of unknown origin in refugees coming from West Africa through the Mediterranean to Calabria, Italy

“…Silvia Odolini et al have recently reported 48 cases of severe febrile rhabdomyolysis in refugees arriving in Italy from West Africa and admitted to 12 centers from May 2014 to December 2016 (Odolini et al, 2017). We describe the experience in Vibo Valentia, Calabria, a region not covered in their report.…”

Illegal immigration: the puzzling role of several risk factors for rhabdomyolysis

“…A recent multicentre retrospective observational study of cases of febrile rhabdomyolysis, conducted by Odolini et al 17 between May 2014 and December 2016 in 12 Italian centres describes 48 cases, mainly young males coming from Nigeria (58.3%). Infections were diagnosed in 16 (33.3%) cases (such us EBV, CMV and Coxsackie B virus); in the remaining cases, the aetiology was undefined.…”