Marathon Runners Might Have Risk of Kidney Injury

Highlights

Acute Kidney Injury is a condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood.
Marathon runners who cover a distance of 42 kms in a matter of few hours are at risk of Acute Kidney Injury.
Sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys might be the causes.

The physical stress of running a marathon can cause short-term kidney injury. Although kidneys of the examined runners fully recovered within two days post-marathon, the study raises questions concerning potential long-term impacts of this strenuous activity at a time when marathons are increasing in popularity.

While past research has shown that engaging in unusually vigorous activities such as mine work, harvesting sugarcane, and military training in warm climates can damage the kidneys, little is known about the effects of marathon running on kidney health.

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‘Potential causes of the marathon-related kidney damage could be the sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occur during a marathon.’

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Acute Kidney Injury in Marathon Runners

More than a half million people participated in marathons in the United States in 2015. A team of researchers led by Professor of Medicine Chirag Parikh, M.D. studied a small group of participants in the 2015 Hartford Marathon.

The team collected blood and urine samples before and after the 26.2-mile event. They analyzed a variety of markers of kidney injury, including serum creatinine levels, kidney cells on microscopy, and proteins in urine.

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The researchers found that 82% of the runners that were studied showed Stage 1 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) soon after the race. AKI is a condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood.

"The kidney responds to the physical stress of marathon running as if it's injured, in a way that's similar to what happens in hospitalized patients when the kidney is affected by medical and surgical complications," said Parikh.

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The Need To Study Other Effects

The researchers stated that potential causes of the marathon-related kidney damage could be the sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occur during a marathon.

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While the measured kidney injury resolved within two days post-marathon, the study still raises questions about the effects of repeated strenuous activity over time, especially in warm climates.

"We need to investigate this further," said Parikh. "Research has shown there are also changes in heart function associated with marathon running. Our study adds to the story even the kidney responds to marathon-related stress."

Marathon-After Effects

The marathon is a long-distance running race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 miles, or 26 miles 385 yards), usually run as a road race. There are some potential negative physical effects from this type of intense activity.

Marathon running is not bad for you—but its good to remember the risks associated with it. It’s important to remember that just about anyone who trains properly, fuels the body effectively, wears the right footwear, and is not suffering an injury can cross a marathon finish line.

Inflammation: Running long distances can lead to muscle inflammation that sticks around for longer than other types of physical exercise.
Injuries: Common running injuries include muscle strain, shin splints and a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis. Most of these injuries can be prevented with the right stretching, taking rest days, and building up mileage slowly.
Lower Immunity: Some long-distance runners report compromised immunity, especially following the big race. The best way to combat any unwanted illness is to take vitamin supplements, including a probiotic to regulate digestion.
Gastrointestinal distress: About 50% marathoners report some kind of stomach upset during the race - usually nausea, diarrhea, cramps or heart burn.
Heart Attack: There have been reports of people in modern times dying as a result of heart complications associated with running a marathon, but the race itself is never the actual culprit. Other factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or undiagnosed heart problems are usually behind these occurrences.

Reference

Chirag Parikh et al., Marathon running may cause short-term kidney injury, American Journal of Kidney Diseases (2017).

Source-Medindia