This overview of acute renal failure and its relationship to rhabdomyolysis describes this process in three distinct sections:

		pathophysiology;
		diagnosis; and
		management.

But it does appear to omit treatments, such as fasciotomies and dialysis, which may be needed if the condition is severe. And the psychological impact of this condition is not examined.

The article requires a good knowledge of pathophysiology and is heavily biased towards medical care. The content is very thorough, with more than ample explanation of physiological processes. However, this, coupled with its cramped format, forces the reader to make slow progress.

On a more positive note, the author provides good scenarios of patients who may present with rhabdomyolysis, which helps the reader to relate this to practice. This is coupled with the clear presentation of the management of rhabdomyolysis and the author demonstrates well the conflict that currently exists about the correct treatment for this condition. The pharmacological role is also discussed with particular emphasis placed on infusion rates and volumes with clear rationales for treatment.

These options could, however, have been more clearly presented.

This is a useful article which should be used in conjunction with clearer, less-complex papers. Importantly, the content is significantly more medically focused than that in similar UK journals but, as it is fundamentally for nurses, it lacks a clear patient focus.

Catherine Forman