What laboratory finding is commonly associated with rhabdomyolysis?

Myoglobin in urine is a key laboratory finding associated with rhabdomyolysis. This condition arises when muscle tissue is damaged, causing myoglobin, a muscle protein, to be released into the bloodstream. As the kidneys filter the blood, they also filter out myoglobin, which can subsequently appear in the urine. This finding can lead to dark, tea-colored urine, which is indicative of the muscle breakdown occurring in rhabdomyolysis.

The presence of myoglobin in the urine is significant because it can help in the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and distinguish it from other conditions that may cause muscle pain or weakness. Additionally, myoglobinuria can lead to complications such as acute kidney injury, which is a serious concern in patients with rhabdomyolysis due to the nephrotoxic effects of myoglobin. Thus, detection of myoglobin in urine is critical in both diagnosing rhabdomyolysis and guiding subsequent management.