Microhematuria Associated with a Special Operations Craft Mission

摘要

Microhematuria is a common consequence of high-impact exercise such as running and jumping. In order to determine whether or not a similar hematuria accompanies mechanical shock exposure associated with small boat operations in the open ocean, urinary variables were measured in two boat crews (total N = 12) during a 2-day Mk V Special Operations Craft transit down the eastern coast of the United States and a 2-day recovery period. One boat was fitted with experimental shock-mounted seats, the other with standard-issue seats. Microhematuria and microalbuminuria were found in samples taken prior to and during the transit. Levels of microhematuria and microalbuminuria were similar to those seen in athletes competing in intense running events. Levels of creatinine, free and total hemoglobin and urine blood coloration decreased significantly following the transit, but urinary albumin did not. Statistical comparison of urinary constituents between boats was not possible because of the small sample size and unmeasured variability in shock exposure between boats. However, medium to large effect sizes were found in the measures of urinary creatinine, hemoglobin, and urine color between the different craft crews, particularly the morning after the most demanding day. It was concluded that the microhematuria seen appears benign, but these measures may be useful in quantifying levels of mechanical shock exposure.