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THE INCIDENCE OF SWIMMING-INDUCED PULMONARY OEDEMA DURING MASS-PARTICIPATION TRIATHLON RACES: OPTIMISING ATHLETE SAFETY
  1. Ralph Smith1⇓,
  2. James Parkin2,
  3. Nick Knight3,
  4. Courtney Kipps4
  1. 1Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trus, Oxford, United Kingdom
  2. 2St George's, University of London, Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  3. 3Department of Emergency Medicine, West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
  4. 4Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom

    Abstract

    Background Swimming Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE) is life-threatening condition that can affect healthy triathletes. There have been several reported cases amongst triathletes, however the current estimation of incidence is derived from a survey of triathletes with self-reported symptoms suggestive of SIPE.

    Objective To investigate the incidence of SIPE and associated risk factors in mass participation Triathlon Competitions (TC).

    Design A retrospective analysis of Competitors' Medical Records (CMR).

    Setting 11 consecutive UK-based TCs between 2011 and 2016. The competitions involved elite and non-elite competitors who raced Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Olympic Plus distances.

    Participants CMR of patients presenting to Triathlon Medical Team (TMT) with medical complaints/injuries were analysed. Those diagnosed with SIPE were included. Diagnostic criteria included absence of water aspiration, acute onset of dyspnoea, cough and/or expectoration of frothy sputum, with evidence of pulmonary oedema on physical examination.

    Assessment of Risk Factors Patients' Age, gender, race distance, co-morbidities and medical management were recorded.

    Main Outcome Measurements The incidence of SIPE in TCs.

    Results 68557 competitors started the TCs and 429 competitors presented to the TMT. Five case of SIPE were recorded, giving rise to an incidence of 0.73/10,000 competitors and 1.2% of all presentations to the TMT. Mean age was 42 (21–58) and a third were female. All were non-elite athletes competing in a variety of race distances; one patient had pre-existing cardiac comorbidities; and in 3 cases participants were competing in their first triathlon. All required supplementary oxygen and transfer to hospital for definitive management.

    Conclusion This report is the first to describe the incidence of SIPE in mass participation triathlon competitions. Event organisers and TMTs should be prepared for competitors developing SIPE which appears not to be bound by age, gender, race distance or co-morbidities. Further research is required to identity those who are at risk of SIPE.

    • Injury

    https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.272

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