making muscle wasting history

Myoglobin is found in muscles.
The main function of Myoglobin is to carry oxygen to the muscle cells.
Myoglobinuria is the presence of Myoglobin in the urine.
Ideally Myoglobin should be filtered and excreted with the urine.
However if rapid muscle breakdown occurs or muscle trauma then this can lead to too much Myoglobin being released and the result is Myoglobinuria. This can lead to kidney problems.

How is it detected

Myoglobinuria can be detected by a change in urine colour, it is very dark brown coca cola colour.

What causes Myglobinuria?

It is essentially caused by muscle damage.
In patients with Duchenne certain types of exercises, namely eccentric exercises can cause this. eg trampolining, weight lifting, going up and down stairs excessively. Over doing physical activity.
Myoglobin is seen as a recognised complication in patients with Duchenne. The use of steroids as been thought to contribute to this. due to the increased physical activity of boys on steroids this may place the already dystrophin muscles under greater mechanical strain and therefore would expose the muscles fibre to further damage and lead to Myoglobinuria.

What to do?

Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids
Get your child to rest
Contact your childs clinican for further advice