OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analysis the treatment characteristics of the systemic situation in patients with crush syndrome after Wenchuan earthquake happened in May 12th, 2008.

METHODSForty-nine patients with crush syndrome and subsequent acute renal failure (ARF) due to the earthquake were treated in West China Hospital. All of patients had been rescued from buildings that collapsed in Wenchuan earthquake. The major associated injuries were in the low extremities and upper extremities. 49 patients developed ARF with increased concentrations of serum creatinine (mean 64 022 U/L) had underwent haemodialysis. Hyperkalaemia was seen in 9 patients and four of them underwent haemodialysis. 49 patients were administered hemodialysis.

RESULTSNo patient died. All patients who suffered from the ARF were weaned from hemodialysis after admitted 7 to 35 days. Forty-five extremities underwent amputations and 52 extremities had fasciotomy.

CONCLUSIONSCrush syndrome requires urgent recognition and prompt surgical treatment with simultaneous measures to control hyperkalemia and ARF. The authors believe that immediate intensive care therapy and multi-subjective coordination would have improved the survival rate.