What color is urine in rhabdomyolysis due to myoglobin?

• A. Dark-red or cola-colored urine
• B. Clear and colorless urine
• C. Bright yellow urine
• D. Greenish urine

Answer: (A)

When muscle tissue breaks down in rhabdomyolysis, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys. The myoglobin pigment can turn urine a dark reddish-brown to cola color as it concentrates and oxidizes, which is a typical finding in myoglobinuria. Other colors don’t fit this scenario: clear and colorless urine suggests little pigment, bright yellow is usually due to urochrome concentration or other factors, and greenish urine points to different causes. So the dark-red or cola-colored urine best reflects the presence of myoglobin in the urine during rhabdomyolysis.