scholarly journals Heart of the World’s Top Ultramarathon Runner—Not Necessarily Much Different from Normal

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gajda ◽  
Anna Klisiewicz ◽  
Vadym Matsibora ◽  
Dorota Piotrowska-Kownacka ◽  
Elżbieta Katarzyna Biernacka

The impact of ultramarathon (UM) runs on the organs of competitors, especially elite individuals, is poorly understood. We tested a 36-year-old UM runner before, 1–2 days after, and 10–11 days after winning a 24-h UM as a part of the Polish Championships (258.228 km). During each testing session, we performed an electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS), and blood tests. Initially, increased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were identified. The day after the UM, increased levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, and N-terminal type B natriuretic propeptide were observed. Additionally, decreases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, cholesterol, LDL-C, and hyponatremia were observed. On day 10, all measurements returned to normal levels, and cholesterol and LDL-C returned to their baseline abnormal values. ECG, TTE, MRI, and 31P MRS remained within the normal ranges, demonstrating physiological adaptation to exercise. The transient changes in laboratory test results were typical for the extreme efforts of the athlete and most likely reflected transient but massive striated muscle damage, liver cell damage, activation of inflammatory processes, effects on the coagulation system, exercise-associated hyponatremia, and cytoprotective or growth-regulatory effects. These results indicated that many years of intensive endurance training and numerous UMs (including the last 24-h UM) did not have a permanent adverse effect on this world-class UM runner’s body and heart. Transient post-competition anomalies in laboratory test results were typical of those commonly observed after UM efforts.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2995
Author(s):  
Katarina Ogrinc ◽  
Andrej Kastrin ◽  
Stanka Lotrič-Furlan ◽  
Petra Bogovič ◽  
Tereza Rojko ◽  
...  

Statins have anti-inflammatory and potentially antimicrobial activity, but whether they have a beneficial effect on the course of infectious diseases is controversial. In this study, we assessed the impact of pre-existing statin use on the course and outcome of Lyme neuroborreliosis manifested as meningoradiculitis (Bannwarth’s syndrome). One hundred and twenty three consecutive patients with Bannwarth’s syndrome, of whom 18 (14.6%) were being treated with statins, were included in the study. To assess the influence of statin use on the course and outcome of the disease, univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. No statistically significant association was found between statin pre-treatment and the clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome. In conclusion, pre-existing use of statins did not significantly impact either the clinical presentation or the outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M Scherer ◽  
Holly O Witteman ◽  
Jacob Solomon ◽  
Nicole L Exe ◽  
Angela Fagerlin ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Most displays of laboratory test results include a standard reference range. For some patients (eg, those with chronic conditions), however, getting a result within the standard range may be unachievable, inappropriate, or even harmful. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to test the impact of including clinically appropriate goal ranges outside the standard range in the visual displays of laboratory test results. METHODS Participants (N=6776) from a demographically diverse Web-based panel viewed hypothetical glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test results (HbA1c either 6.2% or 8.2%) as part of a type 2 diabetes management scenario. Test result visual displays included either a standard range (4.5%-5.7%) only, a goal range (6.5%-7.5%) added to the standard range, or the goal range only. The results were displayed in 1 of the following 3 display formats: (1) a table; (2) a simple, two-colored number line (simple line); or (3) a number line with diagnostic categories indicated via colored blocks (block line). Primary outcome measures were comprehension of and negative reactions to test results. RESULTS While goal range information did not influence the understanding of HbA1c=8.2% results, the goal range only display produced higher levels of comprehension and decreased negative reactions to HbA1c=6.2% test results compared with the no goal range and goal range added conditions. Goal range information was less helpful in the block line condition versus the other formats. CONCLUSIONS Replacing the standard range with a clinically appropriate goal range could help patients better understand how their test results relate to their personal targets.


2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Lindner ◽  
Wayne Schmedel ◽  
Marian Martin ◽  
Mickey Heidt ◽  
Carrie McMahon ◽  
...  

1983 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1034
Author(s):  
Carol L. Colvin ◽  
Raymond J. Townsend ◽  
William R. Gillespie ◽  
Kenneth S. Albert

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2598
Author(s):  
Lisa Maria Walchhofer ◽  
Ruth Steiger ◽  
Andreas Rietzler ◽  
Johannes Kerschbaumer ◽  
Christian Franz Freyschlag ◽  
...  

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with infiltration of, on conventional imaging, normal-appearing brain parenchyma. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) enables the investigation of different energy and membrane metabolites. The aim of this study is to investigate regional differences of 31P-metabolites in GBM brains. Methods: In this study, we investigated 32 patients (13 female and 19 male; mean age 63 years) with naïve GBM using 31P-MRS and conventional MRI. Contrast-enhancing (CE), T2-hyperintense, adjacent and distant ipsilateral areas of the contralateral brain and the brains of age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were assessed. Moreover, the 31P-MRS results were correlated with quantitative diffusion parameters. Results: Several metabolite ratios between the energy-dependent metabolites and/or the membrane metabolites differed significantly between the CE areas, the T2-hyperintense areas, the more distant areas, and even the brains of healthy volunteers. pH values and Mg2+ concentrations were highest in visible tumor areas and decreased with distance from them. These results are in accordance with the literature and correlated with quantitative diffusion parameters. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that 31P-MRS is feasible to show regional differences of energy and membrane metabolism in brains with naïve GBM, particularly between the different “normal-appearing” regions and between the contralateral hemisphere and healthy controls. Differences between various genetic mutations or clinical applicability for follow-up monitoring have to be assessed in a larger cohort.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document