Serum biochemistry and morbidity among runners presenting for medical care after an Australian mountain ultramarathon.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) was a cause of morbidity among runners requiring medical care at an Australian mountain ultramarathon.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Six Foot Track mountain ultramarathon, New South Wales, Australia, March 2006.


METHODS
Runners presenting to the medical facility.


RESULTS
Serum biochemistry.


RESULTS
No cases of exercise-associated hyponatremia were identified among 9 athletes (from 775 starters) who were treated with intravenous fluid therapy. Unwell runners had a mean serum (Na) of 143 mmol/L (range 138-147 mmol/L). All runners tested had elevated serum urea and creatinine concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
In this setting, EAH was not a significant cause of morbidity.
Reid
Stephen A
SA
St Helens Private Hospital, Tasmania, Australia. stevenlyn@ozemail.com.au
King
M Jonathan
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001669:Biochemical Phenomena; D001671:Biochemistry; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D044967:Serum / Q000737:chemistry*