Exertional Rhabdomyolysis among athletes: a systematic review protocol

Review question/objective: The objective of this review is to identify effective treatment methods associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis in athletes. The review questions are: •Among athletes, is fluid resuscitation/replacement or nutritional intervention more effective in treating exertional rhabdomyolysis? •Does one specific method of fluid resuscitation/replacement lead to decreased time to return to physical activity when compared to another? •Does length of hospital stay influence time to return to activity? Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: The quantitative review will consider studies that include adolescent and adult patients (15 years and older), specifically athletes, diagnosed with exertional rhabdomyolysis. The minimum age of 15 has been selected due to the high number of adolescents participating in athletics. Types of interventions: The review will examine studies or case reports that include fluid resuscitation/replacement or other treatment methods of exertional rhabdomyolysis. Specifically, studies that utilized saline intravenous resuscitation will be sought. Intravenous solutions combining saline with other pharmacological agents, such as sodium bicarbonate, will be included. Any additional treatment methods found in the literature, such as nutritional interventions, will be evaluated as well. Types of Outcomes: Studies will be considered if they include one of the following outcome measures: amount/type of fluid resuscitation/replacement, length of hospital stay, and length of time from diagnosis to return to premorbid levels of physical activity. Treatment of exertional rhabdomyolysis among athletes