Football Hematuria

The football player has hematuria. Player, parents, and coach want to know: Is it serious? Will there be permanent damage? When may he safely play again? Many physicians face these questions each fall and find it difficult to formulate a satisfactory answer. Ultraconservatism may evoke critical comment from ardent team supporters who want the star player back in action. On the other hand, the parents naturally fear that the physician has submitted to pressure if their son returns to active play shortly after having had hematuria. It is known that exercise decreases urinary volume, diminishes renal plasma flow, and decreases chloride concentration. It is also well established that albuminuria may follow exercise. Amelar and Solomon have reported microscopic hematuria in 73% of boxers immediately after a bout; however, information is not available on incidence and significance of hematuria in athletes participating in strenuous exercise and sustaining repeated trauma for several