An Intervention Study of Oral Versus Intravenous Hypertonic Saline Administration in Ultramarathon Runners With Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: A Preliminary Randomized Trial

Abstract

To determine whether asymptomatic exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) in ultramarathon runners can be corrected with either oral or intravenous (IV) 3% hypertonic saline (HTS). Prospective with randomization into 1 of 2 intervention arms. Western States (161 km) Endurance Run, California. Forty-seven finishers in the event consented to be screened to identify those with EAH, defined as plasma sodium ([Na]p) <135 mmol/L at race end. Participants with EAH but without symptoms were randomized to receive a single 100 mL dose of either oral or IV 3% HTS. Blood was drawn before intervention and at 60 minutes postintervention to measure [Na]p, and concentrations of plasma potassium, proteins, and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Body mass, percent total body water, and percent body fat were measured prerace and postrace using impedance scales. Change in [Na]p. Fourteen of 47 consenting finishers (30%) had EAH. Eight agreed to be randomized into the intervention protocol. Only in the IV group did [Na]p change significantly (from 130.8 to 134.6 mmol/L) over the 60 minutes post-HTS administration. Elevated AVP concentrations were seen at race finish in both the groups and remained so after HTS treatment. In this preliminary trial, prompt administration of a 100 mL bolus of IV 3% HTS was associated with normalization of [Na]p in asymptomatic EAH, but a similar effect was not demonstrated for the same dose orally. Elevated AVP levels were observed and may play a part in the development of EAH but were not suppressed significantly by either intervention.