Mumbai Doctor's Gym Overexertion Triggers Rare Kidney Condition
Dr Kunal Bansode, a resident of Vikhroli in Mumbai, was determined to stick to his New Year resolution to resume gym workouts. He picked up right where he left off seven months earlier, lifting 50 kg weights without easing back into the routine. The first two days on January 14 and 15 seemed manageable, but by the third day, he experienced severe muscle pain and difficulty moving. Alarmed by the cola-colored urine he noticed, a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis, he rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mulund, where he works, for immediate admission.
Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis: An Uncommon but Serious Threat
Dr Bansode was diagnosed with exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, a condition where intense physical strain causes muscle cells to break down, releasing harmful substances like myoglobin into the bloodstream. Nephrologist Dr Vaibhav Keskar from Fortis Hospital expressed surprise at seeing three young patients, including Dr Bansode, with this condition within a month. "When muscles are suddenly subjected to heavy strain, such as doing too many squats without proper conditioning, the muscle cells can get damaged," Dr Keskar explained. "Myoglobin can be toxic to kidney tubules and may temporarily impair kidney function."
World Kidney Day Focus on Acute and Chronic Kidney Issues
On World Kidney Day, observed on March 12, health experts highlighted the rising incidence of chronic kidney disease in India, primarily driven by diabetes and hypertension. However, Dr Keskar emphasized the need for increased awareness about acute, temporary kidney injuries like rhabdomyolysis. Better education on preventive measures is crucial to avoid such health scares, especially among individuals with underlying conditions.
To address this gap, nephrologist Dr Bharat Shah inaugurated a preventive clinic at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, Mumbai. "We need to educate people, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, on kidney care to prevent chronic kidney disease," Dr Shah stated. He noted that while an estimated 2.5 lakh new cases of chronic kidney disease are diagnosed annually in India, only about 5% of patients seek treatment, suggesting the actual patient load might be higher.
Kidney Transplant Challenges in Mumbai
In Mumbai, the demand for kidney transplants underscores the severity of kidney health issues. At least 4,000 people with end-stage kidney disease are registered for transplants, facing wait times of four to five years due to limited donor availability. This backlog highlights the urgent need for preventive healthcare initiatives.
Recovery and Lessons Learned
Fortunately, Dr Bansode's kidney function gradually returned to normal after the rhabdomyolysis episode. He has resumed his duties in the ICU at Fortis Hospital and continues to visit the gym, but now with a more cautious approach. "I still go to the gym, but now I pace myself," he shared, underscoring the importance of moderation in physical activity to prevent similar incidents.
