What is rhabdomyolysis? The injury 12 lacrosse players were diagnosed with after Navy SEAL workout

After five men’s lacrosse players were hospitalized with serious medical conditions following a workout led by a recent Navy SEAL graduate, Tufts University (Medford, MA) says they’re appointing an independent investigator to figure out what happened.

In an updated statement released Monday, university spokesperson Patrick Collins says three of the original group of players who were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after a “voluntary, supervised, 45-minute team workout on 16 September″ are still in the hospital. He said the three players are responding to treatment and hope to be discharged soon. 50 team members participated in the workout.

“The university is addressing this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Collins said. “The team is a tight-knit group of young men who have shown remarkable resilience, understanding and care for each other throughout this episode. We will continue to monitor and work with them closely, and we hope for a rapid return to good health for all involved.”

What is rhabdomyolysis?

The condition, also known as rhabdo, happens when proteins and electrolytes from damaged muscle tissue are released into the bloodstream, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This could damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure, seizures, permanent disability and even death, the agency also says.

The condition can affect anyone, but athletes, firefighters, those who work outdoors and those who work in hot environments are at higher risk for developing rhabdo, the CDC says.