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Marathon runner with acute hyponatremia: a neurological disorder
R Kormann1, F Philippart, S Hubert
1Internal Medicine, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, 75014 Paris, France.
Case Reports in Emergency Medicine
|January 18, 2013
Summary
Severe hyponatremia, a dangerous drop in blood sodium, can occur during endurance exercise. Prompt treatment with hypertonic saline rapidly resolved cerebral edema in a marathon runner, highlighting the importance of recognizing exercise-associated hyponatremia.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endurance athletes are at risk for exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH).
- Cerebral edema is a serious complication of severe hyponatremia.
- Marathon running presents a significant physiological challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) with cerebral edema in a marathon runner.
- To highlight the effectiveness of hypertonic saline in treating EAH-induced cerebral edema.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing EAH in endurance athletes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 49-year-old female marathon runner presenting with confusion.
- Diagnostic investigations revealing severe hyponatremia and cerebral edema.
- Treatment with intravenous 3% hypertonic saline solution.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced rapid clinical improvement following hypertonic saline administration.
- Resolution of cerebral edema and hyponatremia.
- Successful discharge from the hospital after 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) can lead to life-threatening cerebral edema.
- Prompt treatment with hypertonic saline is crucial for managing EAH complications.
- Awareness and appropriate management of EAH are vital for endurance athletes.
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