Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Myoglobinuria, recurrent

A metabolic condition in which muscle fibers break down suddenly, so a muscle protein (myoglobin) passes into the urine.

Understanding Myoglobinuria, recurrent

Recurrent myoglobinuria is an inherited metabolic condition in which muscle fibers break down suddenly and release myoglobin into the urine.

It usually begins in childhood and is often set off by exertion or by an infection with fever. Common features include muscle stiffness and pain, kidney problems, and high levels of the muscle enzyme creatine kinase in the blood. It may occur sporadically or be inherited in a recessive or dominant way.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a detailed symptom list, but the summary describes these features:

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Muscle pain
  • Myoglobin in the urine
  • Reduced kidney function
  • High creatine kinase blood levels

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests can find the gene cause?
What activities or illnesses might set off an episode?
How should my kidneys be protected during an episode?

Quick facts

GARD says changes in the mitochondrial genes MT-CO1 and MT-CO2 should be considered. Changes in the LPIN1 gene have also been reported in a few people. It may occur sporadically or be inherited.

Also known as: mt-cyb-related recurrent myoglobinuria; myoglobinuria, episodic; recurrent myoglobinuria

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Myoglobinuria, recurrentGARD ID 3879 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Myoglobinuria, recurrent.

Explore the Myoglobinuria, recurrent blog

Explore research for Myoglobinuria, recurrent

Explore actively recruiting Myoglobinuria, recurrent studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Myoglobinuria, recurrent with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Myoglobinuria, recurrent studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Myoglobinuria, recurrent

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Myoglobinuria, recurrent

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Myoglobinuria, recurrent experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.