Estimate of Glomerular Filtration Rate among Players of a West African Football Team during a Competition

Abstract

Introduction: A football match could cause transient adverse effects in the players’ kidney function. The purpose of this study is to determine the development of glomerular filtration rate among football players during a match and a competition in Benin. Methods: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted from November 2015 to May 2016. Participants included black footballer, aged above 17 years, who has been residing in Benin for at least one year, attending regular training sessions and having given his informed consent to participate in the study. During a series of 4 matches, blood sampling was regularly carried out before, just at the end and 24 hours after each match. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by CKD-EPI formula from blood creatinine. Results: A total of 14 players were included in each match. The participating players were averagely aged 23 ± 2.21 years and had 2 years of experience in first division football. The estimate of the players’ medium GFR during the 1st match was 129.35 ± 17.39 ml/min/1.73 m2 before the beginning, 90.31 ± 17.39 ml/min/1.73 m2 at the end and 123.96 ± 18.72 ml/min/1.73 m2 24 hours later. During a 4- match competition, the GFR declines at the end of each match and rise up again in the next 24 hours. Conclusion: The glomerular filtration rate declines drastically and transiently during a match of football competition in a hot and humid climate. There is need for players to rehydrate before, during and after each match.