Haff disease

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Haff disease
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Rhabdomyolysis, muscle pain, weakness, brown urine
Complications	N/A
Onset	24 hours after consuming affected fish
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Consumption of certain types of fish
Risks	Eating fish from affected areas
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, creatine kinase levels
Differential diagnosis	Myositis, polymyositis, trichinosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, hydration, dialysis if necessary
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	Rare

Haff disease is a rare syndrome of unexplained rhabdomyolysis following consumption of certain types of fish; it is caused by an unidentified toxin in the fish.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Haff disease is rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which skeletal muscle breaks down rapidly. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may include muscle stiffness, pain, and dark urine. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Causes

The exact cause of Haff disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a toxin in certain types of fish. The disease has been associated with the consumption of buffalo fish, freshwater pompano, and several other species of fish.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Haff disease is based on the presence of rhabdomyolysis following the consumption of fish. Laboratory tests may show high levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin in the blood and urine.

Treatment

Treatment for Haff disease is primarily supportive and includes hydration to help flush the myoglobin out of the kidneys. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of Haff disease involves avoiding the consumption of fish species associated with the disease.

See also

• Rhabdomyolysis
• Myoglobinuria
• Buffalo fish
• Freshwater pompano