Summary
Changes in blood test findings in participants in public running events
Affiliation of the authors
DOI
Quote
González Ruiz AA, Ortiz Fernández S, Holguin Labajo M, Pérez Benito A, Ervigio Corral Torres. Changes in blood test findings in participants in public running events. Rev Esp Urg Emerg. 2024;3:23–6
Summary
BACKGROUND. Running events open to the general public significantly increase the demand for emergency treatment of complaints that lead to blood testing, given that changes in the acid-base equilibrium, electrolytes, and other blood parameters are common.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. Descriptive retrospective study of the case records of an emergency service for a marathon in a large urban area. We included patients for whom blood tests were ordered from 2013 to 2021.
RESULTS. A total of 148 patients with a mean age of 40 years, mainly men, were studied. Abnormal pH levels were found in 51% of the patients, and mixed disorders were common. Hyperlactemia was identified in 95.9% of the patients. The mean (SD) lactic acid concentration was 5.07 mmol/L ( 2.79 mmol/L), and at least one abnormal ion concentration was found in 75%. Creatinine, sugar, and bicarbonate concentrations were also affected, as were hematocrit findings.
CONCLUSIONS. Blood analyses are essential tools for evaluating acute emergencies in athletes due to the presence of numerous electrolyte and acid-base imbalances.