Introduction: Exertional rhabdomyolysis has been well characterized, and many case reports exist. No cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis in young healthy children (preteen) have been published.
Case summary: Reviewed were the medical records of a 12-yr-old boy who participated in an indoor physical education class where excessive (>250) repetitive squat jumps were performed as punishment for talking in class. The boy, who reported intense muscle soreness in the thighs and dark urine 2 d postexercise, was brought to the emergency room by his parent. His serum creatine kinase (CK) was 92,115 U.L(-1) and urinalysis indicated the presence of blood and protein. He was transferred to another hospital that evening, admitted, and treated for 7 d. His serum CK rose to 244,006 U.L(-1) at 4 d postexercise.
Conclusion: Although exertional rhabdomyolysis is rare in young children, it can occur when excessive exercise is spurred on by an adult.