Energy metabolism, liver and kidney function in adolescent marathon runners

Abstract

The observed findings are very similar to those reported in healthy adults. There is no evidence of liver or kidney injury in adolescent runners participating in a standard marathon run.

Liver and kidney function in adolescent marathon runners

“…Thus, appropriate preceding running training, medical preexamination, running at an individual pace according to the individual running performance and adequate fluid and energy intake during the competition are important requirements to avoid potential health risks. With regard to sex differences in fluid intake during the marathon, there is no evidence from our study that female runners drank more fluids [1]. Furthermore, the study by Reid et al [2] only speculated on such a sex difference as female subjects lost slightly less weight as compared to male subjects.…”

“…In their study, the incidence and severity of renal dysfunction was particularly increased in runners taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication [2]. However, our young study population did not take any medication [1]. We agree with the authors that myoglobinuria might lead to nephropathy a few days after running, requiring intensified long-term medical observation.…”

“…We appreciate the comments by Somsri and Viroj Wiwanitkit. They refer to potential health risks associated with marathon running which, however, were not observed in our study [1]. Certainly, pre-existing diseases or lack of training adaptations to prolonged running may put marathon runners at risk.…”

“…We agree with the authors that myoglobinuria might lead to nephropathy a few days after running, requiring intensified long-term medical observation. Yet, such long-term adverse effects seem unlikely to have occurred in our study population, as blood myoglobin concentrations had significantly declined 24 h postmarathon [3] and the glomerular filtration rate was back to normal [1]. In fact, extreme environmental conditions may increase the health risk as demonstrated by the mentioned case report of a 35-year-old male marathon runner presented by Asserraji et al [4].…”

Research update for articles published in EJCI in 2016

“…3 However, values returned to baseline 24 hours postmarathon as shown in adolescent runners. 1 Whether the high AKI incidence represents an age effect or is a consequence of repeated marathon running or remains clinically irrelevant has to be proved.…”