Changes in haematological parameters and iron metabolism associated with a1600 kilometre ultramarathon

Objective - To investigate haematological variations and iron related chang es in the serum of participants in a 1600 kilometre ultramarathon run. Participants - Seven male and two female participants in a 1600 km foot rac e. Methods-Blood samples were obtained from the participants before, after four and 11 days of running, and at the end of the event. Samples were anal ysed by standard methods for haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total red cel l count, mean red cell volume, mean red cell haemoglobin, total white cell count and differential, platelets, reticulocytes, iron, ferritin, total iro n binding capacity, percentage transferrin saturation, haptoglobin, and bil irubin and corrected for changes in plasma volume. Results - The following variables decreased during the event (p < 0.05): ha emoglobin, packed cell volume, mean red cell volume, percentage lymphocytes , percentage monocytes, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and percen tage transferrin saturation. Increases (p < 0.05) were found in plasma volu me, total red cell count (day 4 only), total white cell count, percentage a nd absolute numbers of neutrophils and reticulocytes, absolute numbers of l ymphocytes and monocytes (day 4 only), absolute numbers of eosinophils (day 11 and race end), absolute numbers of basophils (race end only), platelets , ferritin, haptoglobin, and bilirubin (day 4 only). Conclusion - Ultramarathon running is associated with a wide range of chang es in haematological parameters, many of which are related to the normal ac ute phase response to injury. These should not be confused with indicators of disease.