HYPONATREMIA IN RECREATIONAL HIKERS IN GRAND-CANYON-NATIONAL-PARK

Symptomatic hyponatremia has been reported in athletes participating i n marathon and ultra-marathon events. We report four cases of symptoma tic hyponatremia in hikers in the Grand Canyon. These are the first ca ses reported in recreational hikers in a wilderness setting. The overa ll fluid status of these patients is not well defined. In most instanc es this probably represents dilutional hyponatremia from sweat loss re placed with plain water. Recreational wilderness participants may requ ire electrolyte replacement similar to endurance athletes.