EAH

Q: Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) counts for hyponatremia up to what period after exercise? 

A) 24 hours 
B) 48 hours 


Answer: A

The 2015 Third International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference defined exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) as hyponatremia (below the given normal range of laboratory) occurring during up to 24 hours after prolonged physical activity. 

It is more common than anticipated. The most common risk factor is sustained high fluid intake which correlates with weight gain during exercise. Athletes who gain more than 4 percent of their pre-exercise body weight during exercise have an 85 percent probability of developing hyponatremia and a 45 percent probability of developing hyponatremic encephalopathy. 

Contrary to conventional wisdom most of the commercially available carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing sports drink including Gatorade does not provide protection against hyponatremia due to the fact that they all are hypotonic to plasma. Other risk factors include longer race time, a low body mass index, and use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

#electrolytes
#sports-medicine


References: 

 1. Hew-Butler T, Rosner MH, Fowkes-Godek S, et al. Statement of the Third International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference, Carlsbad, California, 2015. Clin J Sport Med 2015; 25:303. 

 2. Dugas J. Sodium ingestion and hyponatraemia: sports drinks do not prevent a fall in serum sodium concentration during exercise. Br J Sports Med 2006; 40:372. 

 3. Baker J, Cotter JD, Gerrard DF, et al. Effects of indomethacin and celecoxib on renal function in athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005; 37:712.  

4.  Sharwood K, Collins M, Goedecke J, et al. Weight changes, sodium levels, and performance in the South African Ironman Triathlon. Clin J Sport Med 2002; 12:391. 

5. Almond CS, Shin AY, Fortescue EB, et al. Hyponatremia among runners in the Boston Marathon. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:1550.