Renal monitoring key for Mediclinic team at Cape Epic

Posted on 20 March 2017

Dr Jann Killops, race doctor to the Absa Cape Epic, believes that the overall health of the riders is a priority for the medical team.

As it has been over many previous episodes of the race, Mediclinic is the official medical supplier to the event. With a team of nearly 100 staff members ranging from doctors and nurses to paramedics on course supported by marshals trained to be first responders, the health needs of the riders is well overseen. Pathcare are also on site to assist doctors and healthcare professionals to determine or confirm diagnoses as part of our full bundle of care for the race.

But when riders get off their bikes and start the daily recovery process, an additional element of care beyond cuts and scrapes springs into action. Where riders have exerted themselves over successive days, the level of hydration may become a serious concern.

Riders exhibiting symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, cramping or fatigue may be at risk. The priority is to ensure sufficient rehydration after each day’s stage and when riders present themselves with such symptoms, the doctors may either order a drip or indicate where oral hydration is needed to restore hydration levels.

Doctors at the Absa Cape Epic have the option of testing either urine or blood samples. The presence of Pathcare in the race hospital allows for swift decisions to be made around patients’ health by providing accurate pathology results. A blood sample provides an accurate kidney function enabling the clinicians involved in the care to make the most appropriate decisions in real time.

This allows the doctors to monitor the on-going hydration levels of the riders under observation. During an average Epic race about 70 tests are performed to measure hydration of the riders.

By ensuring all participants receive the best possible care during the event, these risks can be managed and the riders can continue to perform at highest levels.