Collapsed Runners: Blood Biochemical Changes After IV Fluid Therapy

Abstract

In brief The effects of routine IV fluid therapy on blood biochemical values in collapsed runners have not been studied. We measured serum sodium concentrations and other indicators of fluid status in 32 collapsed and 16 noncollapsed runners after a 56K race. Twenty-six (81%) of the collapsed runners received IV fluid therapy, some at the discretion of the attending physician. Profound hyperglycemia developed in all 26 and marked hyponatremia in 14 (54%), whereas blood glucose and serum sodium values remained within the normal range in the 6 untreated collapsed runners.