Utility of kidney dialysis for recovery following marathons or ultra-marathons
Recent observations indicate the presence of Acute Kidney Injury and impaired renal function in a majority of participants in marathons of a standard distance of 42.2km (26.2mi). This impairment, and the resulting electrolyte imbalances, may delay recovery from these events and may also contribute to some of the long-term health consequences associated with ultra distance running. It follows that a session of dialysis is likely to assist in recovery following a marathon, particularly if the proteins, arising from skeletal muscle damage, responsible for kidney injury are filtered out in the process. This may be of particular relevance to professional runners, whose income earning potential is affected by prolonged recovery times between competitive events.
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